Water & Sanitation

Maintenance of water quantity and quality is one of the regulatory functions of forests and wetlands ecosystems. Only 32 percent of Ugandans have access to a basic water supply, while 19 percent have access to basic sanitation and seven million Ugandans practice open defecation. Water is a critical resource that supports health and human well-being, plants animals and biodiversity. Therefore, protecting and restoring water related ecosystems such as forests, mountains, wetlands, lakes, rivers among other water sources are essential in mitigating against water scarcity. Goal 6 of SDGs which is to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030 requires more investments in infrastructure, providing sanitation facilities and encouraging hygiene at every level in society and Greening Eco Diversity is committed to this cause.

 

Soil degradation is a major threat to food security in Uganda and is responsible for siltation and pollution of lakes, rivers and open water sources, which has affected livelihoods. In Mbarara District, the pollution level for River Rwizi is steadily increasing and yet demand for water is also on the rise. This has a negative impact no people’s lives/livelihoods and the environment at large. Major causes of this pollution has been due to agricultural and industrial activities being carried out. Soil degradation in Uganda are nutrient depletion and soil erosion. The degradation of the soil resource in Uganda is attributed to population growth and the attendant effect on land ownership and fragmentation, land tenure, adoption of inappropriate land and soil management practices, and the low use of fertilizers and organic manure. The population explosion seems to out-match farmer’s ability to find arable land and 50% of the land have soils of medium productivity (NEMA, 2018). 

 

Greening Eco Diversity activities under the water and sanitation sector include but not limited to;