Category: Activities & Programs

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Bird-Friendly Farming

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

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Exploring Lake Mburo National Park’s Avian Paradise with a Park Birdwatching Experience.

On March 10th to 12th, 2023 Avian Conservation Uganda (ACUS) was welcomed to the extraordinary realm of Lake Mburo National Park, where birds dance and nature thrives in harmony. The excursion was aimed at unraveling the significance of protected areas on birdlife, discover the thriving bird habitats, and understand the road ahead of our conservation efforts for birds of Uganda.

A Haven for Feathered Wonders

Located in the heart of western Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park unfolds across approximately 370km² of breathtaking landscapes. With its elevation ranging between 1220 and 1828 meters above sea level, this park is an integral part of the enchanting L. Victoria basin. Imagine a picturesque tapestry of wetlands, savanna woodlands dominated by the majestic Acacia hockii, and a lush forest zone teeming with over 332 bird species. We expected to witness nature’s best-kept secrets, encountering extraordinary avian treasures like the Rufous-bellied Heron, Black-throated Barbet, Green-capped Eremomela, Southern Red Bishop, and Long-tailed Cisticola, exclusive to this wondrous sanctuary.

A Sanctuary of Conservation

In the spirit of avian conservation, Lake Mburo National Park proudly holds the title of an Important Bird Area (IBA). Within this ecological haven, a tapestry of marshes, woodlands, and savannahs creates a diverse range of bird habitats which house an impressive narray of bird species. Notably, the African Finfoot, the Red-faced Barbet, the Papyrus Gonolek and the Crested Barbet find solace within these protected grounds. Overcoming past challenges, collaborations with local pastoralists, farmers, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority have paved the way for a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Thrilling Encounters with Feathered Beauties

As ACUS members embarked on a journey of discovery in this avian paradise on the three-day expedition through Lake Mburo National Park, we were enthralled by a breathtaking kaleidoscope of bird species that grace the skies and trees. We marvelled at the vibrant African Pygmy Kingfisher, be awestruck by the African Fish-Eagle, the graceful flight of the African Green Pigeon, the playful antics of the African Grey Hornbill, the melodious African Ground Thrush, and the elegant dance of the African Jacana. These sightings, among numerous others, bring to life the vibrant avian tapestry of this magnificent park. Our adventure also shed light on the importance of monitoring and preserving threatened species and those lacking adequate data.

Conservation Fueled by Data

Our expedition to Lake Mburo National Park served a greater purpose beyond exploration. We diligently collected valuable data on bird populations, habitats, and distribution within the park’s boundaries. Armed with this wealth of information, ACUS is poised to make informed conservation decisions, raise public awareness about the significance of bird conservation, and foster a bird-friendly community. By involving the general public in our excursions, we aim to deepen their understanding of the vital role birds play in maintaining a balanced ecosystem, preserving cultural heritage, and fueling economic growth.

Overcoming Challenges, Paving the Way for Conservation

As with any noble endeavor, our journey was not without its challenges. We encountered obstacles such as inadequate data collection methods, limited information on Ugandan bird species, a shortage of monitoring tools, and a scarcity of accessible bird knowledge resources. To surmount these challenges, we propose implementing standardized data collection and administration systems, promoting research collaboration and data sharing, providing the necessary monitoring tools, and enhancing the availability of bird knowledge resources.

Preserving the Symphony of Wings

In conclusion, our three-day excursion to Lake Mburo National Park offered valuable insights into the diverse bird species, habitats, and conservation challenges in the area. These findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and conservation efforts to protect bird populations and their habitats. ACUS remains steadfast in its vision of a flourishing avian life for future generations. We will continue engaging in community-based projects and conservation.

REGAN OKIA

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