Devolution : a mechanism for scaling adoption of sustainable land management in Eastern Africa highlands

Land degradation is severe in the steep sloping highlands in eastern Africa; natural resource management is central to good governance and increasing enfranchisement of rural people. Devolution, the transfer of roles, responsibilities and rights of natural resource management to institutions and communities has proved effective in accelerating adoption of sustainable land management (SLM) innovations beyond pilot sites. The SLM technologies practiced in the area include the use of trenches, contour bunds, terraces and agro forestry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent to which devolution influences adoption of SLM technologies in Highlands of eastern Uganda.