environment 8 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Sugarcane Expansion Fuels Deforestation in Busoga, Undermining Restoration Efforts
The rapid growth of sugarcane farming in Uganda's Busoga sub-region is accelerating deforestation and wetland degradation, leading to environmental concerns despite ongoing tree restoration initiatives. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/sugarcane-expansion-accelerates-deforestation-in-busoga-despite-tree-restoration-efforts-5451512
The expansion of sugarcane cultivation across Uganda’s Busoga sub-region is a significant driver of deforestation and the degradation of vital wetlands, according to environmental officials. This agricultural trend is increasingly replacing natural forests and fragile ecosystems, raising alarms among environmental authorities and development partners.
Environmental officers point out that the demand for open land for sugarcane makes it incompatible with forest cover, unlike other crops such as coffee or bananas. This necessitates clearing all existing vegetation, leading to habitat loss for wildlife, reduced biodiversity, and increased soil erosion and water body siltation.
Authorities have observed tangible consequences such as increased flooding, wetland siltation, declining soil fertility, and a loss of wildlife. The problem is exacerbated by farmers returning to plant sugarcane even after being moved from degraded areas, complicating enforcement efforts. The increased use of chemicals in sugarcane farming also poses a risk of water pollution, impacting both human and animal health.
In response to the escalating environmental damage, efforts are underway to promote wetland restoration, tree planting, and agroforestry. Organizations like One Acre Fund Uganda are distributing millions of seedlings to encourage the integration of trees within farming systems, aiming to restore soil fertility and provide alternative income streams. However, some sugarcane growers argue that responsible management can mitigate the crop’s destructive potential, suggesting tree integration in larger plantations and advising smaller landholders to consider alternative crops.