Mixed farming in Uganda

Introduction of mixed farming to three pilot districts: Mukono, Masaka and Kayunga. UNDP-UNEP Poverty-Environment Initiative and National Environment Management Authority of Uganda (NEMA). The economy of Uganda and the development of the country strongly depend on the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment. While the contribution of agriculture, forestry and fisheries to GDP is falling (21% in 2008) as other sectors (Industry and Services) come up, over 85% of the population of Uganda live in rural areas and are highly dependent on environment and natural resources for income and subsistence. In addition, over 90% of the Uganda's exports and 94% of the energy requirements in terms of firewood and charcoal for domestic use are contributed by the natural resources sector. However, the environment and natural resource are under threat from natural and man-made drivers of change including; poverty, unsustainable use of resources, rapid population growth, urbanization, agricultural expansion, industrialization and the impacts of climate variability among others. These changes are causing adverse impacts on national priorities such as; economic growth, the attainment of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), national security (including food security) and women empowerment among other goals. It is worth noting that investment in sustainable environment and natural resource management has high returns and is a pre-condition for economic growth, poverty reduction, attainment of MDGs, a healthy population and prosperity for all. More information on PEI Uganda at: http://www.unpei.org/sites/default/files/PDF/uganda-country-brochure-final.pdf