Many of Uganda's natural ecosystems are undergoing conversion, degradation, and decline in a totally unplanned and uncontrolled manner. Examples include: uncontrolled expansion of agricultural land; erosion of soils and a decline in soil fertility; falling quality and availability of water; unregulated encroachment and degradation of wetlands; encroachment of forest reserves; deforestation and overgrazing of rangelands; and invasion of weed species and bush encroachment. With the country's current population of 22 million set to double by the year 2020, these pressures are bound to be insurmountable without sustainable action at both the national and community levels.

Marginalized people who rely disproportionately on the environment for their basic needs are confronted with environmental problems including soil erosion, declining land productivity and fish stocks, and the spread of alien invasive species. With over 80 percent of the Ugandan workforce involved in agriculture, soil erosion and declining soil fertility are significantly impacting the ability of the poor to meet nutritional needs. As a result, deforestation and encroachment on ecologically sensitive areas (e.g. wetlands) have increased as poor people attempt to secure alternative income sources in the face of growing food insecurity.

Through partnerships with grassroots organizations in the Jinja and Masaka Districts, FSD works to educate and promote easily integrated solutions that provide immediate returns, while protecting natural capital. Simple, alternative technologies and methods are used to encourage organic/sustainable agricultural practices, improve crop efficiency, decrease deforestation, increase reforestation, and build environmentally friendly income-generating projects. FSD welcomes interns and volunteers to support existing environmental methods and also bring innovation to our partner organizations in a variety of capacities.

Read more about Environmental Sustainability programs and opportunities initiated by our Community Partners in Uganda.

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