Farmland is a major habitat for birds globally, and in Uganda specifically, where the vast majority of the population is employed in agriculture. About 35% of the land in Uganda is cultivated, making agriculture one of the most significant land use forms in the country.
Unfortunately, this isn’t particularly good news for the environment and birds in Uganda on account of the prevailing methods of farming. Major declines have been recorded in farmland bird species, including birds such as Uganda’s National bird; the Grey-Crowned Crane, yet some bird species heavily depend on farmland as habitat.
Research has shown that birds are a farmer’s best friend as they increase productivity on farms as they play an important role in seed dispersal, support pollination, pest control as they eat insects and other harmful organisms to crops. Birds such as Cattle Egrets, Piapiac and Oxpeckers also control ticks and other disease causing insects on animals. Although birds also feed on farm crops and may cause some damage, research has shown the net effect on farms is positive and birds have been seen to increase on-farm productivity significantly.
Unfortunately, crop monocultures and the rapid modification of natural landscapes to create more land for agriculture continue to lead to declines in bird populations on farms. However, some methods of farming such as mixed farming and agroforestry have been proven to be bird-friendly farming methods.
Farmers are at the forefront of enforcing solutions to declining numbers of farmland birds
through adopting bird-friendly farming. Bird-friendly farming which restores mosaic landscapes
with trees, preserves water sources, prevents soil loss and desertification to provide connectivity
for birds and other wildlife.
How can we promote bird-friendly farming for avian conservation?
There are a number of ways to promote bird-friendly farming for avian conservation, including:
- Educating farmers about the benefits of bird-friendly farming. Farmers need to understand the importance of birds to their farms and the benefits of adopting bird-friendly farming practices.
- Providing financial incentives for farmers who adopt bird-friendly farming practices. Farmers need to be able to see the financial benefits of adopting bird-friendly farming practices in order to be motivated to make the change.
- Developing and implementing bird-friendly farming standards. Bird-friendly farming standards can help to ensure that farmers are adopting practices that are truly beneficial to birds.
- Monitoring and evaluating bird-friendly farming practices. It is important to monitor and evaluate bird-friendly farming practices to ensure that they are effective in conserving birds.
By promoting bird-friendly farming, we can help to conserve birds and their habitats, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the benefits of these amazing creatures.
Here are some specific examples of how bird-friendly farming can be beneficial to birds:
- Bird-friendly farming like agroforestry can provide food and shelter for birds. By planting native plants and providing water sources, bird-friendly farms can provide food and shelter for birds.
- Bird-friendly farming can reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides. Pesticides and herbicides can be harmful to birds, so bird-friendly farms can reduce the use of these chemicals.. Bird-friendly farming is a win-win for farmers and birds. By adopting bird-friendly farming practices, farmers can improve their bottom line and help to conserve birds for future generations.
Volunteer on this program
Support this program
Join as a Farmer