Social and Ecological Contributions of the Taungya Agroforestry System in the Restoration of Mount Elgon National Park, Uganda

Balancing conservation objectives with the livelihood needs of local communities remains a significant challenge in the management of protected areas. The Taungya agroforestry system, introduced in Mount Elgon National Park, Uganda, in 2009, aims to address this issue by integrating forest restoration with agricultural production for food security. This study assesses the social and ecological contributions of the Taungya system in Kapkwata sub-county, Kapchorwa district, focusing on its impact on forest cover restoration, food security, income generation, and the provision of ecosystem services. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 240 participants selected through random sampling, supplemented by key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative insights were analyzed through thematic analysis. The results indicate that the Taungya system significantly improved vegetation cover, with the majority of participants reporting an increase in forest cover from 0-25% to 51-75%. The program also contributed to household food security and income generation, with participants cultivating crops like Irish potatoes, maize, and onions for both consumption and sale. Non-crop benefits, including access to firewood and clean water, further enhanced household resilience. However, challenges such as small land allocations, crop pests, and wildlife conflicts were identified as barriers to maximizing the program's impact. To optimize outcomes, the study recommends increased land allocations per household and the introduction of integrated pest management strategies. The findings underscore the potential of agroforestry systems like Taungya to achieve sustainable conservation and community development in protected areas