The Effects Of Monoculture On The Environment In Uganda: A Case Study Of Igara Tea Factory, Bushenyi District

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of monocuiture on the

environment. The study identified out Igara tea factory as the case study for this

research.. Specific objectives of the study were to: investigate the importance of

agricultural sustainability on the environment; investigate the consequences of

agricultural monoculture specialization on the environment and to suggest alternatives

to agricultural monocuiture aimed at conserving the environment. The methods used for

data collection were questionnaires to the employees of Igara tea factory.

The findings revealed by 62.5% of respondents agreed that Agricultural sustainabllity

helps with selection of species and varieties that are well suited to the site and to

conditions on the farm, another 87.5% of respondents agreed that Agricultural

sustainability helps with the diversification of crops and cultural practices to enhance the

biological and economic stability of the farm and 50% of respondents agreed that

Agricultural sustainability helps with the Management of the soil to enhance and protect

soil quality.

The study recommended a Food and agricultural policy where existing state and local

government policies often impede the goals of sustainable agriculture. New policies are

needed to simultaneously promote environmental health, economic profitability, and

social and economic equlty. For example, commodity and price support programs could

be restructured to allow farmers to realize the full benefits of the productMty gains made

possible through alternative practices. Tax and credit policies could be modified to

encourage a diverse and decentralized system of family farms rather than corporate

concentration and absentee ownership. Government and land grant university research

policies could be modified to emphasize the development of sustainable alternatives.

Marketing orders and cosmetic standards could be amended to encourage reduced

pesticide use. Coalitions must be created to address these policy concerns at the local, regional, and national level.