Support to Kapchorwa District Development Plan Implementation
Background
Kapchorwa District, with assistance from NEMA, developed and integrated environmental issues into the District Development Plan. However, due to limited resources and capacity, implementation of the priority environmental provisions still remains a weak element in the environmental planning and management process. With high populations in the sub-counties of Benet, Binyiny and Kaptanya (which constitute the main catchments of rivers in the Mt. Elgon ecosystem) there is increased land degradation and de-vegetation resulting from pressure for agricultural land, poor farming practices and supply of wood fuel and building poles. This has resulted in widespread soil erosion and consequent siltation and pollution of River Atari, among others. This has also negatively impacted on water quality for the communities, and on the piped water for Kapchorwa Town Council.
Development objectives
The objective of this project is to support implementation of the priority areas of the Kapchorwa District Environment Action Plan mainstreamed into the District Development Plan so as to ensure protection of River Atari and its catchments.
Key activities & expected results
The project, based upon a participatory process, seeks to sensitize and mobilize the local district leadership and local communities along the Atari River and its catchment towards implementation of the priority environmental actions within the DDP, thereby building their capacity. Natural regeneration of the banks of River Atari is to be supported through demarcation of the river protection zone, tree planting, introduction of sustainable agricultural practices, and economic activities. The project is to initiate development of Kapchorwa District Environment Policy guidelines that will guide management of threatened fragile ecosystems.
Implementation phase
The project has conducted awareness and consultative processes by organizing communities to address the dangers associated with unsustainable agricultural practices along the river banks, and a baseline survey has been carried out. The project will also support the local communities to establish tree nurseries for planting along the agreed river protection zone which has been demarcated for protection, with the participation of the local communities.
