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This work examines the impact of population growth on land degradation and the consequences of that on the people and the general environment. Inappropriate farming practices, poor land tenure system, swamp reclamation, fuel wood and the need for building materials as well as inappropriate extension services are the major causes of land degradation in the area. Land degradation has led to the general reduction of tree cover, shortage of building materials, increasing difficulty in finding fuel wood, disappearance of wild animals, shortage of water, an increase of fuel costs, insufficient rainfall, prolonged drought spells, too much insolation and soil erosion, which have all contributed to out migration. The remedies suggested in the work include intensifying family planning programmes; reduction in the number of animals kept, controlled grazing, sensitizing the public, formulation of policies and laws in the area on conservation and protection and developing alternative sources of energy in order to reduce the continuous loss of tree cover through continuous collection of fuel wood and charcoal burning.

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Atukunda Gershom is a holder of a Masters degree in Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs University, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education and a Bsc. Degree in Geography from Makerere University, Uganda. He is a Lecturer of environment & development,heads the Department of Development Studies at Bishop Stuart University, Uganda & a PhD candidate.

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