Socio-Economic Impact of Channelization on River Basin Utilisation in Eastern Uganda, The Case of Doho Rice Scheme, River Manafwa in Tororo District, Uganda

Abstract

Whereas channelization helps to improve food production in view of the rapidly increasing population, it has environmental challenges since it interferes with the natural systems of the river basin. The study sought to establish the socio-economic impact of channelization on river basin utilization for flood rice cultivation. The specific objectives were: to determine the impact of channelization on the income level of the people around Doho rice scheme, find out the challenges faced by the people around the rice scheme resulting from channelization and to find out how the people are copying with these challenges. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative designs. The quantitative design was applied in establishing the economic benefits of channelization for example the quantity of rice produced over the years, the amount of money earned by the farmers and so on while the qualitative design was employed in characterizing the value judgments of the respondents regarding the challenges of channelization like flooding among others. The methods of data collection include;documentation, questionnaires, face to face interviews, focus group discussions and observation. It was established that there is a significant increase in the quantity of rice production and hence income to the people, extension of power to the otherwise remote areas, among others. However, there was also a significant challenge resulting from flooding due to channelization of the stream like displacement of people, outbreak of diseases like cholera,among others. It was also established that there are no clear mechanisms in place to foresee and cope with these challenges. There were no cases of bilharzia though. However, there is over concentration on the growing of rice at the expense of other crops which affects food security.