Evaluating the Sustainability of Incentive-based Conservation: A Case Study of the Taungya System in the Mount Elgon Conservation Area, Uganda

Abstract

This study evaluates the sustainability of the Taungya system, an incentive-based conservation approach implemented in the Mount Elgon Conservation Area, Uganda. The system integrates reforestation with agricultural practices, aiming to balance biodiversity conservation and local community livelihoods. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data from structured surveys of 240 program participants were analyzed using SPSS, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative insights from key informant interviews. The findings show a 68% increase in vegetation cover, demonstrating the system’s positive environmental impact. However, socio-economic benefits were uneven, with 86% of participants both consuming and selling crops, yet 93% reported that the benefits were insufficient to sustain them year-round. Key challenges included insecure land tenure, limited land size, and restrictions on agricultural practices like pruning and spraying. Despite these obstacles, the Taungya system fostered reforestation and community livelihoods, though unresolved land disputes and wildlife interactions contributed to negative perceptions of conservation efforts. These findings highlight important considerations for improving incentive-based conservation models, including the need for policy reforms that secure land tenure, expand land allocations, and support sustainable agricultural practices. The broader implications suggest that similar models in tropical regions can benefit from incorporating local needs into conservation goals to ensure long-term success.