POLLUTION AND ENVIROMENTAL CONSERVATION IN KASESE DISTRICT: A CASE

STUDY OF KASESE MUNICIPALITY IN KASESE DISTRICT.

BY

MUMBERE DAVID

21/BSE/006/UKSR

SUPERVISOR.

Mr. NTIRUSHIZE BENON (MSc Chem)

THIS RESEARCH REPORT IS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF

EDUCATION IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS LEADING TO THE AWARD

OF A BACHELOR OFSCIENCE WITH

EDUCATION OF METROPOLITAN

INTERNATIONAL

UNIVERSITY

APRIL, 2024

i
 DECLARATION
I MUMBERE DAVID hereby declare that this research report is my original work and has never been
published by any academician or submitted to any higher institution of learning for any award.

……………..………………… …….…………………………
MUMBERE DAVID Date
(STUDENT)

ii
 APPROVAL
I certify that this research report titled “pollution and environmental conservation in kasese district: a
case study of kasese municipality in kasese district.” has been done by MUMBERE DAVID under my
supervision and affirmed, it is now ready for submission to the university with my approval.

………………………………… …….…………………………..
Mr. NTIRUSHIZE BENON (Msc Chem) Date
Academic Supervisor
METROPOLITAN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

iii
 DEDICATION
I dedicate this study to my beloved parents Mr. BWAMBALE JOSEPH, Mr. KULE MATHEW and
Mrs. KABUGHO JENIPHER for the financial support they rendered to me throughout this journey of
my education, in being so inspirational through their hard work, their commitment, their love and above
all their sacrifice and prayer.
I further dedicate this work to my brothers Mumbere Ronald, Muhindo Brian, Baluku Isaac, Masereka
Allan, Kule Micheal, and Thembo Anthony, and my sisters Muhindo Joyline, Biira Michealine, Kabugho
Maryline, Mbambu Cecilia and Kobusinge Scoviah and all my family, relatives and my friends Laddo
Eric Nelson, Amanya Joshua,Bwire Rickmike Onyanyo, Nansigunza Deborah, Kambale Joward and
Nizeyimana Herbert who supported me morally and through their unending advice and encouragement
whenever I felt like giving up, and enabled me say I can to reach the completion of this work and to
complete my Education as required.
May the Almighty God bless and reward you abundantly.

iv
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor Mr. Ntirushize Benon for the guidance he accorded to
me throughout my research work, without which this work wouldn’t have been a success. I also thank
the staff and management of the Metropolitan International University especially my subject lecturers
for the efforts they invested in me.
I appreciate my beloved parents, Mr. Bwambale Joseph and Mrs. Kabugho Jenipher and more
especially my Dad Mr. Kule Mathew for their tremendous financial support towards my university
education and throughout the course of this study. Thanks so much and may God bless and reward you
abundantly with life to see your great grandchildren. Long live dear Mummy and Daddy.
I also give a special vote of thanks to my brothers and sisters, relatives and friends for all the various
support they gave me through the course of this study.
I also acknowledge the efforts and contribution of my fellow course mates and all colleagues with whom
we have struggled to reach completion of this work.
Above all, I am humbled to thank the Almighty for the gift of life and wisdom, protection and all the
blessings of every kind that I received from wherever I reached to make my studies a great success. May
his name be glorified forever!

v
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

Pollution And Environmental Conservation ……………………………………………PAEC

National Environment Management Authority …………………………………….….NEMA

National Ambient Air Quality Standards ……………………………………..…….NAAQS

Air Pollution Information Network for Africa ………………………………….…..APINA

Non-Governmental Organizations ……………………………………………….…NGOs

Regional Air Pollution in Developing Countries …………………………………..RAPIDC

Southern African Development Community…………………………………..…..SADC

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park …………………………………………………..MGNP

Particulate Matter ………………………………………………………………..…PM

Content Validity Index ……………………………………………………………..CVI

Statistics Package for Social Sciences…………………………………………..…SPSS

vi
 ABSTRACT
The major objective of the study was to ascertain the relationship between pollution and environmental
conservation in kasese municipality, in Kasese district. Other objectives included; To find out how
sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation in kasese municipality in Kasese District, to find
out the relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental conservation in kasese municipality
in kasese district, and, to find out how agricultural pollutants influences environmental conservation in
kasese municipality in kasese district. The study was guided by three research questions, and these are;
how do sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation in kasese municipality in Kasese District?
What is the relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental conservation in kasese
municipality in kasese district? How agricultural pollutants do influences environmental conservation in
kasese municipality in kasese district? The study involved both qualitative and quantitative approaches
during data collection, and further employ a mixed approach of designs that was; case study design and
descriptive research design. The study was conducted in Kasese municipality, Kasese district in places
where pollution was rampant. The study targeted a population of 1000 respondents. This was correlated
with Solvin’s formula of sample size determination which obtained a sample population of
approximately 286 people maximum of which 140 respondents were used. This sample included
environmental officers, local government leaders, teachers, industrial workers, agriculturalist students,
and other community dwellers. Both simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed
in the selection of respondents. The researcher used questionnaire and interview methods to collect data.
The questionnaire comprised of both structured and multiple choice questions, closed and open ended
questions to test the research hypotheses. The interview guide was used to collect data from key
informants. All information from participants were treated confidential. The researcher analyzed and
interpreted quantitative data by using statistical package for social science (SPSS) software and
Spreadsheet package to compute the percentages, frequency, charts and tabulation of responses from the
respondents.

The findings showed that 47.9% of the respondents gave in that sewage pollutants affect environmental
conservation negatively, 30.7% of the respondents asserted that sewage pollutants affect environmental
conservation positively, while the least, 21.4% of the respondents established that they don’t know
whether sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation. This was attributed to the discharge of
untreated sewage which contaminated water bodies, leading to a decline in water quality. This pollution
affected aquatic ecosystems, which harmed aquatic life and disrupted the balance of the ecosystem.

vii
The findings also showed that there was a relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental
conservation in kasese municipality. In the same way Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient r = 0.985
shown as an output of analysis by Microsoft Excel statistical package indicated a high correlation
between the two variables, therefore there was a high positive relationship between industrial pollutants
and environmental conservation in kasese municipality.
This affirmed that industrial pollutants affects environmental conservation in kasese municipality.

It was concluded that 20.7% were improper waste disposal, 20% were industrial activities, 20% were
sewage and water discharge, 13.6% were mining activities, 12.9% agricultural practices. All the
above causes were attributed to human activities. Whereby agricultural practices which brought
about agricultural pollutants was included.

TABLE OF CONTENT
viii
 DECLARATION..................................................................................................................................................ii
APPROVAL........................................................................................................................................................iii
DEDICATION.....................................................................................................................................................iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT....................................................................................................................................v
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS..............................................................................................................................vi
ABSTRACT.......................................................................................................................................................vii
GENERAL INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................1
1.0 Introduction....................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background of the study...........................................................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the problem................................................................................................................................3
1.3 Objectives of the study...................................................................................................................................4
1.3.1 Major objective............................................................................................................................................4
1.5 Scope of the Study..........................................................................................................................................4
1.5.1 Content Scope..............................................................................................................................................4
1.5.3 Time Scope..................................................................................................................................................5
1.6 Significances of the Study..............................................................................................................................5
1.7 Justification....................................................................................................................................................5
1.8 Definition of key terms...................................................................................................................................5
1.8.1 Pollution:.....................................................................................................................................................5
1.8.2 Environmental conservation:.......................................................................................................................5
1.9 Conceptual framework...................................................................................................................................6
LITERATURE REVIEW......................................................................................................................................7
2.0 Introduction....................................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Pollution.........................................................................................................................................................7
2.2 Environmental conservation...........................................................................................................................9
2.3 Studies on pollution and environmental conservation..................................................................................11
2.4 Research Gaps..............................................................................................................................................12
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................................13
3.0 Introduction..................................................................................................................................................13
3.1 Research design............................................................................................................................................13
3.2 Area of study................................................................................................................................................13
3.3 Study population...........................................................................................................................................13
3.4.1 Sample size................................................................................................................................................13
3.4.2 Sampling techniques..................................................................................................................................14
3.5 Data collection methods and instruments.....................................................................................................14
ix
 3.5.1 Questionnaire method................................................................................................................................15
3.5.2 Interviewing method..................................................................................................................................15
3.5.2.1 Interview guides.....................................................................................................................................15
3.6 Quality control methods...............................................................................................................................15
3.6.1 Validity......................................................................................................................................................15
3.6.2 Reliability..................................................................................................................................................16
3.7 Data management and processing.................................................................................................................16
3.8 Data analysis................................................................................................................................................16
3.9 Ethical Consideration...................................................................................................................................17
3.10 Limitations of the study..............................................................................................................................17
4.0 Introduction..................................................................................................................................................18
Table 4.2.1 Distribution of respondents by age......................................................................................................18
Table 4.2.2 Distribution of respondents by sex......................................................................................................19
Table 4.2.3 Distribution of respondents according to occupation...........................................................................19
Source: Spreadsheet output (Primary data, 2023)................................................................................................20
Table 4.2.4 Distribution of respondents by marital status.......................................................................................20
Table 4.2.5 Distribution of respondents by education level....................................................................................21
4.3 Description of the independent variable.......................................................................................................22
4.3.1 Findings on the level of pollution in kasese municipality......................................................................22
Table 4.3.1 showing the findings on the level of pollution in kasese municipality.................................................22
Table 4.3.2Pollutants found in kasese municipality................................................................................................23
Table 4.3.3Causes of pollution in kasese municipality...........................................................................................24
4.4 Description of the dependent variable..........................................................................................................25
4.4.1 Findings on the extent of environmental conservation in Kasese municipality..............................26
Table 4.4.1 showing the findings on the extent of environmental conservation in Kasese municipality................26
Table 4.4.2 showing the findings about the relationship between pollution and environmental conservation in
Kasese municipality...............................................................................................................................................27
Table 4.4.3 showing the findings on how sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation in Kasese
municipality...........................................................................................................................................................28
Source: SPSS output.............................................................................................................................................30
4.5 DISCUSSION OF THE FINDINGS:...........................................................................................................30
5.0 Introduction..................................................................................................................................................33
5.1 Summary of Findings...................................................................................................................................33
5.2 Conclusions..................................................................................................................................................34
5.3 Recommendations........................................................................................................................................35

x
 5.3.1 To the community members...............................................................................................................35
5.3.2 To environmentalists and concerned community leaders.................................................................36
5.3.3 To the government...............................................................................................................................36
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................................37

xi
 CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives of the study,
research questions, and the scope of the study as applied in carrying out this research in regard to the
significances of the study.

1.1 Background of the study

Pollution occurs when there is the potential for harm. Harm of man is not confined to physical injury but
encompasses offence caused to any of his senses or harm to his property, therefore smells and noise
which may not cause injury can constitute pollution. Harm to living organisms can include harm to their
health or interference with the ecological systems of which they form part”.
Pollution may be defined as ‘an undesirable change in the physical, chemical or biological
characteristics of our air, water and land that may or will harmfully, affect human life, the lives of the
desirable species, our industrial processes, living conditions and cultural assets, or that may or will waste
or deteriorate our raw materials (Dr. Renu Bhargava Bhargava, 2009).

Pollution is the process of addition of any substance or form of energy to the environment at a rate faster
than it can be dispersed or stored in a harmless form (Butynski and Kalina, J., 1993).

Pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air, land and water which can have an adverse
effect on living beings and on the environment (Cunningham, 1996).

Environmental conservation is the practice that paves the way for protecting the environment and natural
resources on the individual, organizational as well as governmental levels (Carswell, 1997).

Environmental conservation is the practice of us humans saving the environment from the loss of
species and the destruction of the ecosystem, primarily due to pollution and human activities (Tsekeli,
1993).

Environmental conservation can also be defined as the preservation that protects environment through
responsible use of natural resources (WHO, 2005).

China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, formed in 2018 as a successor to the Ministry of
Environmental Protection, monitors six “criteria pollutants” in ambient air, including particulate matter,

1
sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, and lead (Nielsen and Ho, 2013).
Scientific scrutiny on PM2.5, fine particles smaller than 2.5micrometers in diameter that are closely
linked to cardiovascular and respiratory disease has been growing for the past decade, and PM2.5 was
included for the first time in China’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 2012.
Chronic exposure to these fine particles, which enter the blood stream via the lungs, is linked to
increased risk of mortality, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with pre-
existing health conditions (WHO, 2013).

The Air Pollution Information Network for Africa (APINA) was formed to address issues related to Air
pollution in southern Africa. It is a network of Scientists, Policy-makers, Industry and Non-
Governmental Organizations (NGOs). A similar network exists in Asia for the implementation of what
is known as the Malé Declaration. These networks are part of a Regional Air Pollution in Developing
Countries (RAPIDC) programme, coordinated by Stockholm Environmental Institute (SEI) and funded
by the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (Sida).

Southern Africa, as is the case on the African continent, has transformed from a rural society to a
complex society and has made great strides towards industrialization, urbanization and economic
development, in general. Economic growth and a growing population, has brought environmental
problems that were virtually non-existent at the turn of the 20th Century. Southern Africa is one of the
fastest developing regions in Africa. Economic growth depends on energy, which, in the Southern
African Development Community (SADC) countries, is mostly met by coal and fuel wood. Country
reports on the status of air pollution in seven southern African countries (Botswana, Malawi,
Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) commissioned by APINA in 2002 have
given the status of air pollution in southern Africa.

According to the study conducted by NEMA (2006) in Uganda, it was found out that Soil degradation is
on increase world especially in the countries within the tropics. Mismanagement of arable areas by
farmers and grazing areas by livestock owners is one of the major causes of soil degradation. More
sustainable management of lands would reduce environmental pressures. Conservation tillage that is
reduced or no tillage is the key to suitable arable land management as it protects the soil resources,
increases the efficiency of water use and of special importance in semi and areas reduces the effects of
drought (FAO 1999). Deforestation of fragile land, over cutting of vegetation shifting cultivation, over
grazing, unbalanced fertilizer use and non-adoption of soil conservation management practices, over
pumping of ground water are some of the factors which comes under human intervention resulting in
soil erosion (United Nations Environmental Programme , 2003).

2
Another study was conducted by Adams and Mark Infield (2008) in Kisoro district considering
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park as a case study, it was found out that the residual forests of Mgahinga
Gorilla National Park (MGNP) form part of once continuous forest cover, identified by ecologists as the
Albertine Rift Afromontane Region Forests, across what is now SW Uganda, the western parts of
Rwanda and Burundi and eastern Zaire. In recent centuries, clearance of these forests for agriculture has
been extensive (Hamilton 1984, Butynski and Kalina 1993). During the twentieth century the rate of
deforestation has been rapid, and the area within MGNP now represents one of a small number of
remaining fragments of forest. In 1951 the Forest Reserve was reduced in size from 3370 hectares to
2330 hectares and re-gazetted, to meet growing demand by the local people for more land for cultivation
(Werikhe 1991). Settlement of the excised area followed, and was not opposed by the Game
Department. There was a small extension to the Forest Reserve in 1963 to 2450 ha, with the inclusion of
a small District Council Forest. The Game Sanctuary was re-gazetted as a Game Reserve in 1964, and
its boundary was extended approximately to the 2,280m contour, to give a total area of 4,750 ha, . This
included an area ‘largely cultivated and settled’ (Werikhe 1991, p. 4). However this new boundary was
not demarcated on the ground, and residents were not informed or evicted (Uganda National Parks
1996). Given that this area was already so extensively converted for agriculture, it is not clear why it
was designated.

1.2 Statement of the problem

In kasese district 24.5% of the area are urban centers and the population of the district was 694,987 as of
2014 national population census of which 48.3% are males and 51.7% are females and the population
growth rate is 2.45 per annum.

In kasese municipality, pollution and environmental degradation have become a pressing concerns,
posing significant threat to the region’s ecological balance, public health and overall wellbeing.
According to the study made by Aryagaruka martin et all about Enviro- impact and Management
consults in kasese municipality stated that kasese is known for its mining industry including Hima
cement work, kasese cobalt processing plant, kilembe mines and other tourism industry. The growing
industrial activities, unregulated waste disposal practices and unsustainable land patterns have led to the
detoriation of air, water and soil quality. This problem demands urgent attention to devise effective
strategies for pollution control and environmental conservation, aiming to safeguard the natural
resources, preserve biodiversity and ensure a sustainable and healthy environment for present and future
generations in kasese municipality. Therefore the study seeks to ascertain the relationship that exists
between pollution and environmental conservation in kasese municipality in kasese district.

3
1.3 Objectives of the study

1.3.1 Major objective

The major objective of this study was to ascertain the relationship between pollution and environmental
conservation in kasese municipality in kasese district.

1.3.2 Specific objectives

1.3.2.1 To find out how sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation in kasese municipality in
Kasese District.
1.3.2.2 To find out the relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental conservation in
kasese municipality in kasese District.
1.3.2.3 To find out how agricultural pollutants influences environmental conservation in kasese
municipality in kasese District.

1.4 Research Questions

1.4.1 How do sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation in kasese municipality in Kasese
District?
1.4.2 What is the relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental conservation in kasese
municipality in kasese district?
1.4.3 How agricultural pollutants do influences environmental conservation in kasese municipality in
kasese district?

1.5 Scope of the Study

1.5.1 Content Scope

The research identified the impact of pollution on the environment in kasese municipality, kasese
district. It included finding out the relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental
conservation in kasese municipality in kasese district. It also ascertained the influence of agricultural
pollutants on environmental conservation, and thus established the relationship between pollution and
environmental conservation in kasese municipality in kasese district.

1.5.2 Geographical Scope

The research was conducted in Kasese municipality, Kasese district in places where pollution is
rampant. This place was targeted because the municipality had got many industries and other places that
caused pollution. This place was a developing urban town where high settlement and firm

4
establishments had been situated. The researcher thus was interested in finding out the relationship
between pollution and environmental conservation in kasese municipality in kasese district.

1.5.3 Time Scope

The study utilized data for time period ranging from June 2023 to April 2024, so as to obtain sufficient,
relevant and valid data that helped the researcher address the intended objectives of the study. The
researcher therefore intended to conduct the study between months of November 203 to February 2024.

1.6 Significances of the Study

1.6.1 The study offered a practical training experience to the researcher which helped to meet the
academic requirements for the award of a Bachelor of Science with Education (Mathematics/Chemistry)
of Metropolitan International University.
1.6.2The study findings further helped the Kasese district local government to prepare action plans to
improve efforts in mitigating the constraints of pollution and environmental conservation in kasese
municipality, kasese district.
1.6.3 This study also acted as a reference tool for information to the people of Kasese on how to adapt to
ways of conserving the environment.

1.7 Justification
The researcher chosen the topic of study because of the impact from pollution experienced by the people
living in Kasese district as a whole. Kasese, being one of the fast developing districts due to mineral
extraction, electricity production, tourism activities and crop production and export, which all raise the
standards of living, attracting a high number of people and establishment of various firms and
businesses, was affected by pollution, the researcher therefore found it of importance to carry out this
study so that the findings was used by policy makers to ensure proper planning and safety for people
living in this area, and their business firms.

1.8 Definition of key terms

1.8.1 Pollution: According to Section 1(3) of the U.K. Environment Protection Act, 1990, the term
“Pollution” means:
The release (into any environmental medium) from any process of substances which are capable of
causing harm to man or any other living organisms supported by the environment.

1.8.2 Environmental conservation:

5
It can be define as the measures that can be put in place and practice in order to preserve the
environment.

1.9 Conceptual framework

This conceptual framework given the researcher’s conceptualization of the variables in the study. This
was the interaction between pollution and environmental conservation that the researcher identified to
find mechanisms to measure them, as displayed.

Pollution Environmental conservation

 Chemical substances  Saving loss of species

 Foreign contaminants  Saving destruction of
 Naturally occurring ecosystem
contaminants  Involves preventing loss,
 Energies like fuel and heat waste damage and
 Undesirable change of air, destruction of environment
water and land  Involves methods like
 Harmful substances/ poisonous afforestation, agro forestry,
effects proper disposal of wastes
and use of long chimneys in
industries

Figure 1.9: A conceptual framework showing the relationship between pollution and environmental
conservation in kasese municipality.
This shows that pollution influences environmental conservation.
The relationship in shown in figure 1.9 was obtained from the definitions of the independent and
dependent variables as stipulated in the background-concept part of the definitions of each of the
variables. The independent variable was pollution and the dependent variable was environmental
conservation.

6
 CHAPTER TWO:

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction
This chapter contain the review of available literature on pollution and environmental conservation.
Pollution related literature, environmental conservation related literature, studies on pollution and
environmental conservation and the identified Gaps.

2.1 Pollution.
Pollution may be defined as ‘an undesirable change in the physical, chemical or biological
characteristics of our air, water and land that may or will harmfully, affect human life, the lives of the
desirable species, our industrial processes, living conditions and cultural assets, or that may or will waste
or deteriorate our raw materials (Dr. Renu Bhargava Bhargava, 2009).

Pollution is the process of addition of any substance or form of energy to the environment at a rate faster
than it can be dispersed or stored in a harmless form (Butynski and Kalina, J., 1993).

According to the study conducted by Ingting Yang(2020) in China, it was found out that during the
lockdown period, emissions from personnel activities, transportation, and industrial emissions were
reduced. The main pollutants of SO 2, NO2 and PM2.5 in the Yangtze River Delta were reduced by 26%,
47%, and 46%, respectively. In addition to China, where the population is large, air pollutants in other
areas have also been significantly reduced due to pandemic closures; for example, the NO 2 in
Alexandria, Egypt, dropped by 33%]. Korea’s PM2.5, PM10, NO 2, and CO were reduced by 45.45%,
35.56%, 20.41%, and 17.33%, respectively, compared with the previous year’s average concentration.
During the blockade in Graz, Austria, the city’s average concentration of NO 2 and PM10 decreased by
36.9–41.6% and 6.6–14.2%, respectively. During the control period in the United States, due to a
decrease in the median traffic flow of 37%, the road occupancy rate fell by 52%, the median value of
BC and PM2.5 fell by 25% and 33%, respectively, and NO, NO 2, and CO decreased by 33%, 29%, 30%,
and 17%, respectively. During the same period, the reduction of nitrogen oxides resulted in an increase
in O3

During the summer of 2013, some 60 atmospheric scientists converged in Alabama, Tennessee, and
North Carolina for one of the largest air monitoring studies in the region in two decades. Called the
Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study, the scientists set out to study everything they could about the
physical and chemical interactions of many pollutants in the atmosphere. Among other inquiries, they
7
wanted to more fully understand why the region was experiencing elevated levels of secondary organic
aerosols (SOAs). SOAs are air pollutants produced from emissions from trees and plants and human-
made sources. They are produced through a complex interaction of sunlight, air pollutants from cars or
industrial emissions, and other airborne chemicals. SOAs are also a major component in the production
of fine particle pollution (PM2.5), which can cause or worsen lung and heart problems and other health
effects.

In Nigeria for instance, environmental issues did not gain official prominence until the 1988 Koko toxic
waste dumping saga which also brought to the fore the exigent need to establish the Nigeria Federal
Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), Federal Ministry of Environment and other relevant
agencies, ostensibly to tackle environmentally related issues, in the country. These include issues such
as environmental pollution, sanitation, depletion of ozone layer, desertification, flooding, erosion,
poverty, bush burning, deforestation, soil burning etc are perceived as some of the leading factors of
environmental pollution in Nigeria.

Egypt's climate is an important factor in increasing the pressure of air pollution. Egypt is located in a dry
area where precipitation rarely occurs and surface winds are inactive almost all the year round. In
addition, heat reflection, resulting from seizure of pollutants within the air layer in juxtaposition with
ground surface, causes episodes of acute air pollution, especially during autumn, commonly known as
"the black cloud". Air pollution increases with the growing socio-economic development. The number
of vehicles increases over time. They have already exceeded 3.5 million vehicles in 2005, or 10%
annually. This, indeed, is a high growth rate, especially if we take into account the fact that a large
number of vehicles are not scraped before the lapse of three folds of their presumed productive age.

Vehicles, including motor-bikes, are the major source of air pollution. Almost two thirds of carbon
monoxide and 50% of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides that pollute the air are attributed to fuel
combustion. Industrial zones, especially in Greater Cairo (Helwan, ShoubraElkhaima and El Tibbeen)
and numerous other areas abound in various industries, in addition to widespread small industries within
the populous mass. Over-population is a major factor in generating air emissions. Certain polluting
industries have particularly increased as a result of population growth, such as cement and construction
industries, to fulfill the needs of a growing population including housing and public utilities. Such a state
of affairs has been accompanied by an increased volume of solid waste, disposed of by burning in the
open air, thus adding more damage to injury.

Over-population resulted in an effective demand for electricity by industries, municipalities and new
cities. Again, power generation implied over-use of petroleum fuel at power stations. Within the Cairo
8
Air Improvement Project, the EEAA conducted a study in 2001 which concluded that solid municipal
waste burning in the open air accounts for 36% of the total annual load of pollution with suspended
chest particles in greater (NO2), Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), black Smoke (BS) and Particulate
Matter PM10.

2.2 Environmental conservation.

Environmental conservation is the practice that paves the way for protecting the environment and natural
resources on the individual, organizational as well as governmental levels (Carswell, 1997).

Environmental conservation is the protection of natural environment which includes plants, animals,
habitats and natural resources (Edame, 1999).

Environmental conservation can also be defined as the preservation that protects environment through
responsible use of natural resources (WHO, 2005).

According to Akpabio (2016), our rich terrestrial, aquatic/ marine biodiversity is threatened by
unfavorable global climate change and there is remarkable disappearance of some plant and animal
species rapidly tending towards extinction while Amakiri (2016) decried the much talk on biodiversity
conservation in Nigeria without a commensurate action on implementation. He further remarked what he
called “the circuit of talk –fest and exhibition of retail information and much recycled print or web based
knowledge” on biodiversity conservation without commensurate positive action to actually address the
humongous challenge. He observed that the national agenda for participation in the UN Convention on
Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change which Nigeria has always being a part of. , but asked
where we are today?. Today we are signatory to the Rio and other conventions with large delegations
attending summits and other international conferences on threats to biodiversity and climate change
whih have fallen short of addressing the unprecedented biodiversity depletion and reckless deforestation
in Nigeria.

There are species abundance, diversity and distribution especially in the tropics and subtropics which are
undergoing remarkable declining changes due to climate change, rapid economic development, over
exploitation of natural resources and possibly social apathy towards conservation of biological
resources, The need for biodiversity conservation cannot be over emphasized because of the role it plays
in the socio economic lives of the people. Many countries of the world including Nigeria has began to
show much inclination towards conservation practices to avoid imminent extinction of species and
ecosystems. It is worthy of note that emanating from the circumstance above, many countries of the
world have set up national monitoring activities and are earnestly looking forward to the global

9
observation and science community for guidance and facilitation. Biodiversity globally is threatened
mainly by climate change resulting in the disappearance of animal species and extinction of rare fruit
and plant species.

In Nigeria the conservation of biodiversity is very much fundamental to life and positive business
performance especially in the oil and gas sector. Unfortunately High Biodiversity Value Areas (HBVA)
is allowed to be destroyed under different guise It is worthy of mention that arising from the
circumstance above many countries of the world have set up monitoring agencies and are effectively
looking forward to the global observation and science community for guidance and facilitation No doubt
that nature is endowed with a vast array of human, material, and biological resources that constitute life
support system required to sustain and meet human needs. The resources constitutes time wealth
required to create other wealth and thus needs to be carefully and adequately maintained, sustained and
judiciously utilized so that tire present generation can meet their own needs without jeopardizing the
ability of future generation to meet their arid thus a case of enhanced sustainable development.

The Nigerian environment is blessed with rich ecological potentials necessary for human development
and transformation and is presently threatened with decline in quality and quantity at an alarming rate
due to over exploitation and misuse, The environment provides a life support system and basic resources
for all socio economic activities, Natural and anthropogenic activities of man remain the major threats to
these rich and exhaustible natural resources in particular and to the environment in general (GasuFadare
and Olawale; 2005). Possible causes of environmental degradation and possibly loss of biodiversity
includes rapid population growth, overexploitation of natural resources, poverty, poor economic
performance, weak institution and legal framework, poor agricultural practices and high dependence on
biomass fuel among others (UNEP 2002). The consequences are felt on the human population and globe
environmental changes such as climate change; rise in sea level, desertification, draught, flooding,
rainfall variation, green house effects, biodiversity loss, coastal and marine habitat destruction, fresh
water contamination, land degradation air and water pollution and urbanization.

According to UNEP (2002) natural habitats in Africa are being lost through anthropogenic activities of
man, such as over harvesting of resources most notably timber and that mole than 21 million hectare of
forest have been lost since 1970. Other threats to terrestrial habitat include bush fire especially in the
savanna, soil preparation for agriculture, over fishing, deforestation, roads, residential and commercial
centers construction etc. In Nigeria there is desert encroachment and advancing south wards at an
estimated rate 0.6km a year with Borno, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Yobe and Sokoto greatly affected, with
sokoto already loosing up to 11.43% of its total land area Nwachukwu, (2000).

10
Environmentally minded scholars: Ocheri (2003:174), Gbehe (2004), and Aja (2005:114) have
associated environmental pollution with human activities and albeit persistent human interaction with
the environment. Research has also shown that as the population of a country grows/increases with
attendant pressure on the environment especially in the wake of improved technologies, environmental
abuse and pollution is nevertheless heightened with corresponding effects on lives of people and other
living organisms, (Ocheri, 2003: 175 and Hausers, 1971). It has been observed further that man through
industrial, agricultural and the ever increasing urbanization process, security and terrorist activities tend
to directly and/or indirectly pollute the environment. Jande (2005) and Aja (2005:114) in their separate
observations, also in tandem with the foregoing agree that unrestricted use of pesticides, insecticides and
herbicides

2.3 Studies on pollution and environmental conservation

In 2012, China adopted the Ambient Air Quality Standard and began development of a national Air
Reporting System that now includes 945 sites in 190 cities. These automated stations report hourly via
the internet, and focus on six pollutants: particulate matter < 2.5 microns (PM2.5), particulate matter <
10 microns (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO 2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide
(CO). Provincial governments perform air quality monitoring at 600 additional locations that are not yet
integrated into the national system. Previous studies of regional scale air pollution have generally relied
on satellite data or modeling but the high density of hourly data in China now allows regional patterns to
be constructed directly from ground observations.

According to the study conducted by Air quality Monitoring Report (2005) in Egypt, Environmental
Monitoring & Workplace Environment Study Center of MOHP, has, in collaboration with the
Department of "Community Medicine, Environment and Industries Medicine" of Ain Shams University,
conducted a field study to explore the relationship between air pollution and mortality rate as a result of
cardiac and respiratory diseases in Egypt, from 1995 through 2001, and cardiac and respiratory disease
incidence rates from 1999 through 2001. The study revealed the relationship between air pollution
waves and rates of hospitalization as a result of those diseases. The study concluded that there exists a
positive relationship between increased pollution with suspended particles and sulpher dioxide2, on the
one hand, and the high rate of mortality from cardiac and respiratory diseases, on the other. A weighted
relationship was also found between smoke pollution rates and mortality resulting from lung cancer.
Heart and respiratory disease incidence rates were proven to have been related to both causal agents
(suspended particles and smoke). The same was true for acidic oxides and lung diseases. Air pollutants
in Egypt are monitored by the National Network for Monitoring Air Pollutants (NNMAP). NNMAP has
54 stations covering most of the regions exposed to air pollution hazards. Greater Cairo alone is covered
11
by 20 stations to monitor Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3),Carbon
Monoxide (CO), black Smoke (BS) and Particulate Matter PM10. The network was initially established
in 1999, with 42 stations. Later, renovation works were undertaken and 12 new stations were added (6 in
2004 and 6 in 2005) to cope with the progressive increase in the sources of pollution.

Uganda Bureau of Statistics (2005) in conducts various large scale economic and social surveys and
censuses to meet the pressing need for statistical data and information for the government, the private
sector, research institutions and international organizations. In respect to environment statistics, the
bureau has established an environment statistics function in national accounts statistics section for
purposes of producing environment satellite accounts that give indications of economic growth
sustainability. NEAP process identified that environmental data was not readily available and if
available it had problems with quality and standardization. In addition there was no legal framework on
access to information. In view of this NEMA initiated programmes whose key elements were: the
development of an Environment Information Network (EIN); a strategy for integrating environmental
information into the development planning process; and the development of a training program in
support of the environment information networks at the national and district levels. One principle
underpinning the network was that each organisation has the mandate and would therefore take charge
in managing its own information. The institutions had to produce and share information with other
stakeholders. The indicators were produced to reduce the number of measurements required to give a
representative and meaningful picture of what is happening in the environment, including the Millenium
Development Goals (MDG’s) and Multi-Lateral Environment Agreements (MEA’s). In addition these
indicators simplify the communication process of transmitting information to the user.

2.4 Research Gaps

Most studies in literatures were conducted outside Uganda mostly in China, USA, Nigeria, Egypt,
Ghana, and Kenya among others and therefore, the researcher conducted this study in Kasese district,
considering Kasese municipality as a case study and this which enabled the researcher in acquiring
reliable information of the study topic.

In addition, most studies in the literature used considerably large samples however; in this study the
researcher used a medium and manageable sample population of 140 respondents from the total target
population of 1000 residents in Kasese municipality.

CHAPTER THREE:

12
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction
This chapter covers the methodology on research design, area of the study, study population, sampling
procedures, data collection methods and instruments, quality control methods, data management and
processing, data analysis, ethical considerations and the limitations of the study.

3.1 Research design

The study involved both qualitative and quantitative approaches during data collection. Qualitative
approach enabled the researcher to give a complete, detailed description of phenomenon about the study
for in-depth data gathering, while quantitative approach enabled the researcher to construct statistical
models which attempted to explain the findings, and also provide comparisons and statistical
aggregation of data.
The study further employed mixed approach designs that was; case study and descriptive research.

3.2 Area of study

The study was conducted in Kasese municipality, Kasese district. The study was conducted in places of
the municipality where pollution was rampant. This place was targeted because the municipality had
many industries and other places that caused pollution. This place was a developing urban town where
high settlement and property establishments had been situated.

3.3 Study population

The target population for the study was 1000 respondents. This was correlated with Solvin’s formula of
sample size determination to obtain a sample population of 286 people for this study. This sample
included environmental officers, local government leaders, teachers, industrial workers, agriculturalist
students, and other community dwellers, all of which will be residents of this area. This was so that
validity and reliability of the study was achieved
3.4 Sampling procedures

3.4.1 Sample size

The researcher considered a sample size of 286 respondents, and this was obtained using the Israel
N
Glenn formula (2012), Sample size n= 2 where n is the sample size, N was the study population
1+ N e
which was 1000 people, and e 2 was the level of precision which was 0.05.

Therefore,

13
 1000
n=
1+1000 ¿ ¿

1000
n=
1+1000 (0.0025)

1000
n=
1+2.5

n=286 respondents

Out of targeted sample, only 140 respondents were used.

3.4.2 Sampling techniques

The participants in the study were selected using simple random sampling and purposive sampling
methods.
3.4.2.1 Simple random sampling
Simple random sampling was used to select respondents in the group of community members, students,
and teachers whereby specific attention was paid to inclusion of both male and female respondents in the
study area.
3.4.2.2 Purposive sampling
The researcher used this technique because it was very useful in situations when one needs to reach a
targeted sample quickly and where sampling for proportionality was not the main concern. Purposive
sampling was less costly, more readily accessible, and more convenient and selected only those
individual that were relevant to research design. Besides this, there was no way to ensure that the sample
was truly representative of the population, and more emphasis was placed on the ability of the researcher
to assess the elements of the population.
The researcher used Purposive sampling technique to select units into the sample which included the
District environmental officers, agriculturalists and Local government leaders.

3.5 Data collection methods and instruments

Both the use of secondary and primary data methods were used by the researcher to collect qualitative
and quantitative data information.

14
Thus, different two methods were used to collect data which included questionnaire and interview
method. These were used to collect data from all students, industrial workers, teachers and local
government leaders and other community members.

3.5.1 Questionnaire method

The researcher used the questionnaire as the major primary data collection method in this study.
The researcher prepared 20 questionnaires for industrial workers, 10 for teachers, 100 questionnaires for
other community members and students, 10 for agriculturalists, and others for the key informants which
included the Local government leaders and the environmental officers to supplement the interview for
the key informants and documentary review. All were written in English language as it was the medium
of communication in most cases. The researcher translated the questions to the respondents who could
not understand this language. The questionnaire consisted of closed ended questions and additional
remarks space. The entire questionnaires were well instructed since they followed the pattern of set
objectives and subsequent research questions. The respondents were assured of confidentiality of the
information they provided to the researcher.
The questionnaires were self-administered to the respondents, where assistance and corrections were
supplied to the respondents where necessary, to ensure accuracy and reliability of the data that was
collected.

3.5.2 Interviewing method

In this method, informed members were selected to inform the researcher about specific issues regarding
the study. The instrument employed a key informative guide which included questions on the specific
objectives of the study. This helped in capturing of qualitative information needed in the study.

3.5.2.1 Interview guides

In addition to questionnaires, the researcher employed a face-to-face interviewing approach to collect
data on establishing the relationship between pollution and environmental conservation in kasese
municipality, kasese district.

3.6 Quality control methods

The researcher used the data quality control measures to ensure accuracy of the data to be collected.

3.6.1 Validity
The researcher carried out a pilot study to check the questionnaires’ content, structure, sequence,
meaning and ambiguity of the questions using chemistry undergraduate students at Metropolitan

15
International University and then the supervisor (Mr. Ntirushize Benon) himself, to ascertain the
correctness and validity of the questionnaire prior to conducting the study.
The researcher ensured content validity by computing the content validity index (CVI) as,
CVI= Number of questions declared valid
Total number of questions
Content validity was greatly considered by the researcher through piloting of all questionnaires and also
after data collection, the obtained data was properly analyzed for quality by comparing it with that
obtained from the interviews by the selected key informants.

3.6.2 Reliability
The researcher carried out a pilot test of the instruments using another similar group with the same
characteristics as the one targeted in the study. The researcher purposively selected Metropolitan
International University Geography students to test the reliability of the questionnaires which was used
through test-retest techniques and incase of failure to generate results towards the purpose of the study,
such a questionnaire was revised for correctness before conducting the study. The reliability of the
instruments was computed using split half method with the help of Statistics Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS); however, open ended questions were not tested for reliability. Reliability was
increased by including many similar items on a measure, by testing a diverse sample of individuals and
by using uniform testing procedures.

3.7 Data management and processing

The researcher pre-tested all study instruments to check the validity and reliability of data collection
tools. Data processing was done through Editing, coding and tabulation.

3.8 Data analysis

The researcher analyzed and interpreted quantitative data by using statistical package for social science
(SPSS) software and Spreadsheet package to compute the percentages, frequency, charts and tabulation
of responses from the respondents. Data was edited to identify and eliminate errors made by
respondents. Coding was done to translate question responses into specific categories. Descriptive
statistics such as frequency distribution and percentages was used to analyze the data. Qualitative data
was analyzed using content analysis in which all the responses were categorized according to their
thematic areas and analyzed according to their contents.
Presentation was done on tables, figures and charts. Statistical package for social science (SPSS)
software and Spreadsheet package was used to aid in the analysis of data.

16
3.9 Ethical Consideration
The researcher secured the wellbeing of the respondents by not harming them and further maximizing
possible benefits and minimizing possible risks. The researcher further ensured that participants who
will volunteer for the study were free to either continue or discontinue their participation in the study.
The researcher also ensured that what participants say cannot be traced back to them when the final
report was done by ensuring their anonymity and treating their views with utmost confidentiality.
The researcher granted access of the final research report to the study participants. The researcher
furthermore ensured that no plagiarism was committed by recognizing the names of the authors whose
information was used in the literature.

3.10 Limitations of the study

The following were the limitations that the researcher encountered during the study and their solutions:
The researcher encountered a problem of high transport costs as in pilot the study, meeting the different
respondents, distribution of questionnaires and making follow-ups. However, this was solved by
devising cheap transport means and footing where necessary.
Some respondents showed unwillingness to participate in the study as some respondents even request for
money to give in their time and information, however the researcher solved this problem by adhering to
the ethical procedures and proper clarification of the intentions of the study, and the importance of the
findings to the respondents.
The researcher also faced with the problem of inaccessible families. However, the researcher solved this
problem by justifying to the respondents the importance of the study to them and the community at
large. The researcher faced a challenge of limited finance, however, this was mitigated by employing
cheap methods and instruments of data collection, and also by using a manageable target population by
the judgmental designs of sampling them.

17
 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION:

4.0 Introduction
This Chapter presents the description of respondents’ personal data, dependent, independent
variables and discussion of findings, the results were presented and discussed according to the study
objectives.

4.1 Interview response

The researcher interviewed individuals in different ways whereby at time he would meet person per
person and at times meet groups of individuals in different interval as it would require appointments
with respondents. A few target informants fulfilled these appointments.

4.2 Description of respondents’ personal data

Description of respondents’ personal data is given in terms of age, sex, marital status, occupation,
and education level.

Table 4.2.1 Distribution of respondents by age

Age Frequency (f) Percentage (%)

0-10 years 10 7.1

10-20 years 18 12.9

20-30 years 55 39.3

30-40 years 30 21.4

40-50 years 15 10.7

50 years and above 12 8.6

TOTAL ∑f=140 =100

Source: primary data (2023)

18
Table 4.2.1 shows that 7.1% of the respondents were from 0-10 years, 12.9% from 10-20 years,
39.3% from 20 – 30 years, 21.4% from 30-40 years, 10.7% from 40-50 years and 8.6% from 50
years and above. This showed that most of the respondents were from the mature group.

Table 4.2.2 Distribution of respondents by sex

Gender Frequency Percentage (%) Cumulative %
(f)
Male 85 60.7 60.7

Female 55 39.3 100

Total ∑f=140 100

Source: primary data (2023)

Table 4.2.2 shows that majority (60.7%) of the respondents, were male. Only about a quarter
(39.3%) of the respondents were female. This implied that males dominated the area of work, further
implying that there is gender disparity.

Table 4.2.3 Distribution of respondents according to occupation

Occupation Frequency (f) Percentage (%)

Environmental officers 5 3.6

Agriculturalists 10 7.1

Industrial workers 20 14.3

Local government leaders 10 7.1

Teachers 10 7.1

Students 85 60.8

TOTAL ∑f=140 =75

Source: primary data (2023)

19
 figure 4.2.1 showing occupatoin of respondents
70

percentage of respondents
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
rs s rs rs rs nt
s
ce l ist ke de he de
ffi ra or le
a a c u
lo l tu lw t Te St
ta u ria en
en ric st m
nm Ag du rn
iro In ove
v g
En ca
l
Lo

occupation

Source: Spreadsheet output (Primary data, 2023)

Table 4.2.3 and figure 4.2.1, indicates that majority (60.8%) of the respondents were students from
all levels ranging from primary to university followed by industrial workers 14.3% and the rest as
shown in the table and on the figure.

Table 4.2.4 Distribution of respondents by marital status.

Marital status Frequency Percentage Cumulative %

Single 65 46.4 46.4

Married 45 32.2 78.6

Divorced 10 7.1 85.7

Separated 20 14.3 100

Total ∑f=140 =100

Source: primary data (2023)

Table 4.2.4 indicates that almost 46.4% of the respondents were single then followed by 32.2%
which were married an implication that the information was obtained from a mature group as shown
in the table.

20
Table 4.2.5 Distribution of respondents by education level
Education level Frequency Percentage

Primary and below 26 18.6

O level 37 26.4

A level 24 17.1

Certificate 33 23.6

Diploma 16 11.4

None 4 2.9

Total ∑f=140 =100

Source: primary data (2023)

figure 4.2.2 showing the education level of respondents

percentage of respondents

Primary and be- O level A level Certificate Diploma None

low

education level

Source: Spreadsheet output (Primary data, 2023)

Results from Table 4.2.5 and figure 4.2.2, indicate that majority (50%) of the respondents were O
level and certificate students while 50%were the rest as shown by the table and the figure.

21
4.3 Description of the independent variable
This section describes the independent variable (Pollution). The independent variable was addressed in
Section B of the both questionnaire and the interview guide.

4.3.1 Findings on the level of pollution in kasese municipality.

The findings on the level of pollution were analyzed and tabulated as in table 4.3.1 below;

Table 4.3.1 showing the findings on the level of pollution in kasese municipality
Level Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
LOW 10 7.1 7.1 7.1
MEDIUM 30 21.4 21.4 28.5
HIGH 100 71.5 71.5 100
Total ∑f=140 =100

figure 4.3.1 showing the level of pollution in

kasese municipality
7.1
21.4

71.5

LOW MEDIUM HIGH

Source: Spreadsheet output (Primary data, 2023)

From table 4.3.1 and figure 4.3.1, it was found out that 7.1% of the respondents gave in that the extent
of pollution is low, 21.4% of the respondents asserted that the extent of pollution is medium, while the
majority, 71.5% of the respondents established that the extent of pollution is high.

The researcher went ahead and asked for the types of pollution in kasese municipality and it was
revealed that there is air pollution, water pollution, thermal pollution, waste pollution, chemical
pollution, noise pollution and soil pollution.

4.3.2. Findings on the pollutants found in kasese municipality.

22
The findings on the pollutants were analyzed and tabulated as shown below

Table 4.3.2Pollutants found in kasese municipality

Category Frequency Percentage

Industrial chemicals 54 38.6

Agricultural runoff 47 33.6

Sewage and organic waste 36 25.7

Plastic waste 3 2.1

Total ∑f=140 =100

Source: Primary data, 2023

figure 4.3.2 showing pollutants in kasese munic-

ipality
percentage of pollutants

45
40
35
30
25
20 38.6
15 33.6
25.7
10
5
0 2.1
Industrial chemicals Agricultural runoff Sewage and organic Plastic waste
waste

pollutants

Source: Spreadsheet output (Primary data, 2023)

Table 4.3.2 and figure 4.3.2, showed that 38.6% were industrial pollutants, 33.6% were agricultural
pollutants, 25.7% were sewage pollutant and the rest plastic waste. These pollutants were further
broken into particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide(CO), nitrogen dioxide(NO 2), Sulphur
dioxide(SO2), volatile organic compounds(VOC) and heavy metals

4.3.3. Findings on the causes of pollution in kasese municipality.

The findings on the causes of pollution were analyzed and tabulated as shown below
23
Table 4.3.3Causes of pollution in kasese municipality
Cause Frequency Percentage

Industrial activities 28 20

Mining 19 13.6

Transportation 9 6.4

Agricultural practices 18 12.9

Improper waste disposal 29 20.7

Sewage and water 28 20

discharge
Deforestation and land use 5 3.6
changes
Population growth 4 2.8

Total ∑f=140 =100

Source: Primary data, 2023

Source: Spreadsheet output (Primary data, 2023)

24
Table 4.3.3 and the histogram showed that 20.7% were improper waste disposal, 20% were industrial
activities, 20% were sewage and water discharge, 13.6% were mining activities, 12.9% agricultural
practices and the rest as shown above. All the above causes were attributed to human activities.

The findings were in line with the study conducted by Ingting Yang(2020) in China, it was found out
that during the lockdown period, emissions from personnel activities, transportation, and industrial
emissions were reduced. The main pollutants were SO 2, NO2 and PM2.5 in the Yangtze River Delta
were reduced by 26%, 47%, and 46%, respectively. In addition to China, where the population is large,
air pollutants in other areas have also been significantly reduced due to pandemic closures; for example,
the NO2 in Alexandria, Egypt, dropped by 33%. Korea’s PM2.5, PM10, NO 2, and CO were reduced by
45.45%, 35.56%, 20.41%, and 17.33%, respectively, compared with the previous year’s average
concentration.

4.4 Description of the dependent variable

This section describes the dependent variable (Environmental conservation). The dependent variable
was addressed in Section C of the both questionnaire and the interview guide.

4.4.1 Findings on the extent of environmental conservation in Kasese municipality.

The findings on the extent of environmental conservation in Kasese municipality were analyzed and
tabulated as in table 4.4.1 below;

Table 4.4.1 showing the findings on the extent of environmental conservation in Kasese municipality
Extent Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
LOW 70 50.0 50.0 50.0
MEDIUM 40 28.6 28.6 78.6
HIGH 30 21.4 21.4 100
Total ∑ f=140 =100

25
 figure 4.4.1 showing the findings on the extent
of environmental conservation
60

50

40
percentage

30

20

10

0
LOW MEDIUM HIGH

extent of environmental conservation

Source: Spreadsheet output (Primary data, 2023)

From table 4.4.1 and figure 4.4.1, it was found out that 21.4% of the respondents gave in that the extent
of environmental conservation is high, 28.6% of the respondents asserted that the extent of
environmental conservation is medium, while the majority, 50.0% of the respondents established that
the extent of environmental conservation is low. This was attributed to the improper waste
management, industrial activities, population growth, and deforestation among others

The researcher went ahead and asked the human activities that destroy the environment and the
respondents gave the following; deforestation, improper disposal of waste, over population among
others

4.4.2 Findings on the statements about the relationship between pollution and environmental
conservation in kasese municipality.

The findings about the relationship between pollution and environmental conservation in Kasese
municipality were analyzed and tabulated as in table 4.4.2 below;

Table 4.4.2 showing the findings about the relationship between pollution and environmental
conservation in Kasese municipality
Over cultivation Deforestation can Over accumulation Acidic rainfall always
always destroy the expose the land to of carbon dioxide affects the crops and
soil structure and soil erosion in the atmosphere animal species.
texture can lead to global
26
 warming.
Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
11.4
STRONGLY 7.1 15 10.7
35 25 16 10
DISAGREE

DISAGREE 23 16.4 29 20.7 15 10.7 13 9.3

NEITHER
DISAGREE NOR 17 12.1 19 13.6 05 3.6 21 15.0
AGREE
STRONGLY
65 46.5 76 54.3 110 78.6 91 65.0
AGREE
TOTAL 140 100 140 88.6 140 100 140 100
Source: Primary Data (2023)

Table 4.4.2 showed majority 46.5% of the respondents strongly agreed, 12.1% neither disagreed nor
agreed, and 25% strongly disagreed that over cultivation always destroy the soil structure and texture,
majority, 54.3% of the respondents strongly agreed, 13.6% neither disagreed nor agreed and 16%
strongly disagreed that Deforestation can expose the land to soil erosion, while majority 65.0% of the
respondents strongly agreed,15% neither disagreed nor agreed and 9.3 % disagreed that Acidic rainfall
always affects the crops and animal species

The findings were in relation to study conducted by Ocheri (2003:174), Gbehe (2004), and Aja
(2005:114) have associated environmental pollution with human activities and albeit persistent human
interaction with the environment. Research has also shown that as the population of a country
grows/increases with attendant pressure on the environment especially in the wake of improved
technologies, environmental abuse and pollution is nevertheless heightened with corresponding effects
on lives of people and other living organisms, (Ocheri, 2003: 175 and Hausers, 1971). It has been
observed further that man through industrial, agricultural and the ever increasing urbanization process,
security and terrorist activities tend to directly and/or indirectly pollute the environment. Jande (2005)
and Aja (2005:114) in their separate observations, also in tandem with the foregoing agree that
unrestricted use of pesticides, insecticides and herbicides

27
4.4.3 Findings on the how sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation in kasese
municipality:

The findings on how sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation in Kasese municipality were
analyzed and tabulated as in table 4.4.3 below;

Table 4.4.3 showing the findings on how sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation in Kasese
municipality
Effect Frequency Percent Cumulative
Percent
I DON’T 30 21.4 21.4
KNOW
POSITIVELY 43 30.7 52.1
NEGATIVEL 67 47.9 100
Y
Total ∑ f=140 =100

Figure 4.4.3 showing the findings on how sewage pol-

lutants affect environmental conservation in Kasese
municipality
NEGATIVELY ; 47.9
50
45
40 POSITIVELY ; 30.7
percentange

35
30 I DON’T KNOW ; 21.4
25
20
15
10
5
0
I DON’T KNOW POSITIVELY NEGATIVELY

effect

Source: Spreadsheet output ( 2023)

From table 4.4.3 and figure 4.4.3, it was found out that 47.9% of the respondents gave in that sewage
pollutants affect environmental conservation negatively, 30.7% of the respondents asserted that sewage

28
pollutants affect environmental conservation positively, while the least, 21.4% of the respondents
established that they don’t know whether sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation.

4.4.4 Findings on the relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental conservation
in kasese municipality.

The findings on the relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental conservation in
kasese municipality was analyzed and tabulated in the table 4.4.4 as shown below.

Table 4.4.4 showing the findings on the relationship between industrial pollutants and
environmental conservation in kasese municipality.

Frequency Percent Cumulative

Percent
YES 107 76.4 76.4
NO 33 23.6 100
140 23.6

Source: SPSS output

The findings were analyzed using the 5 style Likert scale basing on code 5 and code 2 to establish the
relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental conservation in kasese municipality. The
findings are tabulated below in the table,

Pollution Environmental conservation

Frequenc Percent Frequency Percent
y
STRONGLY 19 13.6 15 10.7
DISAGREE

DISAGREE 29 20.7 37 26.4

STRONGLY AGREE 92 65.7 88 62.9
140 100 140 62.9
CORREL = 0.985

Source: Spreadsheet output (Primary data, 2023)

29
From the results above in table 4.4.4, it was seen that majority (76.4%) of the respondents showed that
there was a relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental conservation in kasese
municipality. In the same way Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient r = 0.985 shown in table above,
as an output of analysis by Microsoft Excel statistical package indicates a high correlation between the
two variables, therefore there is a high positive relationship between industrial pollutants and
environmental conservation in kasese municipality.
This affirms that industrial pollutants affects environmental conservation in kasese municipality.

4.5 DISCUSSION OF THE FINDINGS:

The discussion of the study findings were based on the three study objectives which included; To find
out how sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation in kasese municipality in Kasese District,
to find out the relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental conservation in kasese
municipality in kasese district, and, to find out how agricultural pollutants influences environmental
conservation in kasese municipality in kasese district.

4.5.1 How sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation in kasese municipality in Kasese
District.

Under this objective, the respondents were asked how do sewage pollutants affect environmental
conservation, and from table 4.4.3 and figure 4.4.3, it was found out that 47.9% of the respondents gave
in that sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation negatively, 30.7% of the respondents
asserted that sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation positively, while the least, 21.4% of
the respondents established that they don’t know whether sewage pollutants affect environmental
conservation. This was attributed to the discharge of untreated sewage which contaminated water
bodies, leading to a decline in water quality. This pollution affected aquatic ecosystems, which harmed
aquatic life and disrupted the balance of the ecosystem. Furthermore, the presence of sewage pollutants
which degraded soil quality and sewage sludge was used as fertilizer without proper treatment, affected
agricultural productivity and led to the contamination of crops.

The researcher also asked to state the examples of pollutants found in kasese municipality and
from table 4.3.2 and figure 4.3.2, showed that 38.6% were industrial pollutants, 33.6% were
agricultural pollutants, and 25.7% were sewage pollutant and the rest plastic waste. These pollutants
were further broken into particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2),
Sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and heavy metals. Whereby sewage
pollutants were also included.
30
4.5.2 The relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental conservation in kasese
municipality in kasese district:

Under this objective, the respondents were asked whether there is the relationship between industrial
pollutants and environmental conservation and from the results above in table 4.4.4, it was seen that
majority (76.4%) of the respondents showed that there was a relationship between industrial pollutants
and environmental conservation in kasese municipality. In the same way Spearman’s rank correlation
coefficient r = 0.985 shown as an output of analysis by Microsoft Excel statistical package indicated a
high correlation between the two variables, therefore there was a high positive relationship between
industrial pollutants and environmental conservation in kasese municipality.
This affirmed that industrial pollutants affects environmental conservation in kasese municipality.

The researcher also asked to state the examples of pollutants found in kasese municipality and
from table 4.3.2 and figure 4.3.2, showed that 38.6% were industrial pollutants, 33.6% were
agricultural pollutants, and 25.7% were sewage pollutant and the rest plastic waste. These pollutants
were further broken into particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2),
Sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and heavy metals. Whereby industrial
pollutants took the highest percentage of 38.6%. Thus spearman’s correlation valid.

4.5.3 How agricultural pollutants influences environmental conservation in kasese municipality in

kasese district:

Under this objective, the respondents were asked to state the examples of pollutants found in
kasese municipality and from table 4.3.2 and figure 4.3.2, showed that 38.6% were industrial
pollutants, 33.6% were agricultural pollutants, and 25.7% were sewage pollutant and the rest plastic
waste. These pollutants were further broken into particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO),
nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and heavy
metals. Whereby agricultural pollutants were included.

Also from table 4.3.3 and the histogram showed that 20.7% were improper waste disposal, 20% were
industrial activities, 20% were sewage and water discharge, 13.6% were mining activities, 12.9%
agricultural practices and the rest as shown above. All the above causes were attributed to human
activities. Whereby agricultural practices which brought about agricultural pollutants was included.

31
The findings were in line with the study conducted by Ingting Yang(2020) in China, it was found out
that during the lockdown period, emissions from personnel activities, transportation, and industrial
emissions were reduced. The main pollutants were SO 2, NO2 and PM2.5 in the Yangtze River Delta
were reduced by 26%, 47%, and 46%, respectively. In addition to China, where the population is
large, air pollutants in other areas have also been significantly reduced due to pandemic closures; for
example, the NO2 in Alexandria, Egypt, dropped by 33%. Korea’s PM2.5, PM10, NO 2, and CO were
reduced by 45.45%, 35.56%, 20.41%, and 17.33%, respectively, compared with the previous year’s
average concentration

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the summary, conclusions, recommendations and the areas for further studies.
They are based on the findings in the previous chapters and the study objectives, which relied heavily
on the study questions.

5.1 Summary of Findings

In this section, summaries of findings of the study were presented in accordance with the objectives of
the study.

5.1.1 How sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation in kasese municipality in Kasese
District.

It was found out that 47.9% of the respondents gave in that sewage pollutants affect environmental
conservation negatively, 30.7% of the respondents asserted that sewage pollutants affect environmental
conservation positively, while the least, 21.4% of the respondents established that they don’t know
whether sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation. This was attributed to the discharge of
untreated sewage which contaminated water bodies, leading to a decline in water quality. This pollution
32
affected aquatic ecosystems, which harmed aquatic life and disrupted the balance of the ecosystem.
Furthermore, the presence of sewage pollutants which degraded soil quality and sewage sludge was used
as fertilizer without proper treatment, affected agricultural productivity and led to the contamination of
crops.

The researcher also asked to state the examples of pollutants found in kasese municipality and
from table 4.3.2 and figure 4.3.2, showed that 38.6% were industrial pollutants, 33.6% were
agricultural pollutants, and 25.7% were sewage pollutant and the rest plastic waste. These pollutants
were further broken into particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2),
Sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and heavy metals. Whereby sewage
pollutants were also included.

5.1.2 The relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental conservation in kasese
municipality in kasese district:

From the results above in table 4.4.4, it was seen that majority (76.4%) of the respondents showed that
there was a relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental conservation in kasese
municipality. In the same way Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient r = 0.985 shown as an output of
analysis by Microsoft Excel statistical package indicated a high correlation between the two variables,
therefore there was a high positive relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental
conservation in kasese municipality.
This affirmed that industrial pollutants affects environmental conservation in kasese municipality.

The researcher also asked to state the examples of pollutants found in kasese municipality and
from table 4.3.2 and figure 4.3.2, showed that 38.6% were industrial pollutants, 33.6% were
agricultural pollutants, and 25.7% were sewage pollutant and the rest plastic waste. These pollutants
were further broken into particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2),
Sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and heavy metals. Whereby industrial
pollutants took the highest percentage of 38.6%. Thus spearman’s correlation valid.

5.1.3 How agricultural pollutants influences environmental conservation in kasese municipality in

kasese district:

From table 4.3.2 and figure 4.3.2, showed that 38.6% were industrial pollutants, 33.6% were
agricultural pollutants, and 25.7% were sewage pollutant and the rest plastic waste. These pollutants
33
were further broken into particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2),
Sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and heavy metals. Whereby agricultural
pollutants were included.

Also from table 4.3.3 and the histogram showed that 20.7% were improper waste disposal, 20%
were industrial activities, 20% were sewage and water discharge, 13.6% were mining activities,
12.9% agricultural practices and the rest as shown above. All the above causes were attributed to
human activities. Whereby agricultural practices which brought about agricultural pollutants was
included.

5.2 Conclusions
The major conclusions drawn from this study are presented in line with the study objectives.

5.2.1 How sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation in kasese municipality in Kasese
District.

Under this objective, it was concluded that sewage pollutants affect environmental conservation
negatively. This was attributed to the discharge of untreated sewage which contaminated water bodies,
leading to a decline in water quality. This pollution affected aquatic ecosystems, which harmed aquatic
life and disrupted the balance of the ecosystem. Furthermore, the presence of sewage pollutants which
degraded soil quality and sewage sludge was used as fertilizer without proper treatment, affected
agricultural productivity and led to the contamination of crops.

5.2.2 The relationship between industrial pollutants and environmental conservation in kasese
municipality in kasese district:

Under this objective, it was concluded that there was a relationship between industrial pollutants and
environmental conservation in kasese municipality. This was indicated by Spearman’s rank correlation
coefficient r = 0.985 as an output of analysis by Microsoft Excel statistical package which was a high
correlation between the two variables, therefore there was a high positive relationship between
industrial pollutants and environmental conservation in kasese municipality.
This affirmed that industrial pollutants affects environmental conservation in kasese municipality.

5.2.3 How agricultural pollutants influences environmental conservation in kasese municipality in

kasese district:

34
Under this objective, it was concluded that 20.7% were improper waste disposal, 20% were
industrial activities, 20% were sewage and water discharge, 13.6% were mining activities, 12.9%
agricultural practices. All the above causes were attributed to human activities. Whereby agricultural
practices which brought about agricultural pollutants was included.

5.3 Recommendations
Based on the findings and conclusions from the study, the researcher came up with the following
recommendations:

5.3.1 To the community members

The researcher recommends that the community members should ensure proper disposal of wastes such
as sewage, among others.

The researcher also recommends that all people who practice agricultural activities and
industrialization should ensure that the discharge is properly handled to secure the environment.

5.3.2 To environmentalists and concerned community leaders

The researcher recommends that you put strict laws to prohibit human activities like agriculture, guide
people where and how to construct industrial structures in areas, and train people to live well in order
to conserve the environment.

The researcher recommends that continuous sensitization should be done.

5.3.3 To the government

The researcher recommends the government to consider carrying out constant sensitization of members
and allocate developing industries in areas where destruction of the environment can be minimal.

35
REFERENCES
Air quality Monitoring Report, 2005, Environmental Information and Monitory ProgramEnvironment
Quality Sector.

Kelvin, T.P. and Levis A.O. (1994). An Introduction to Global environmental issues. London Butter
Tanner Ltd.

Aghede and Duitiah (2004). Causes and prevention of erosion in urban centers A case of
Okettunu/Sango Area of Ibadan city, Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Issues Vol. 2. No.
I &2 , 6O -65pp.

Adebayo, R. A. and Uyi, N.O. 2010. Biological control of invasive weed species: Nigerian experience.
International Journal of Agricultural Research 5: 1100-1106

Akpabio, K (2016). “Keynote Address” Biodiversity Conservation and Challenges of Climate Change
Workshop held at the University of Uyo, Nigeria.

Atsegbua, L. Akpotaire and Dinmowe (2003). Environmental Law in Nigeria Theory and Practice
Ababa Press Ltd. Lagos., 78pp.

36
Bioresearches Development Conservation Program ( 2015). Ogbogolo Community Biodiversity Action
Plan (A GEF-UNDP Pilot Project in Rivers State), GEF-UNDP Niger Delta Biodiversity Conservation
Project. Final Report by Bioresearches Development and Conservation Programme

Bioresearches Development Conservation Program (l 2015) BDCP 2012. Restoration and the
Conjunctive Sustainable Management of Native Mangroves and Nypa Palms in the Cross river Estuary
of Nigeria (UNIDO GEF/BDCP/FMEnvt).

Daura A. S.. (2000). “Keynote address” Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) 20th Anniversary
Public Lecture Series No.: 2. NCF.

Gastron, K. J.(2010). Biodiversity in Sodhin, Enrich –PR Editors. Conservation Biology for All,. Oxford
University Press.

Gasu M., Fadare O., Oiawale O. (2005) Environment: Problems, challenges and remedies.

37