This study aimed to characterize the topographic effect on landslides attributes and explore the implications on risk management in a tropical mountainous environment. A database was constructed based on landslide inventory from field surveys supplemented by desk research. The topographic parameters were derived from STRM DEM of a 30 m resolution for the study area. The analysis of the data was conducted in Arc GIS 10.5 environment. The relationship between landslides and topographic conditioning factors was analysed using the Frequency Ratio model. Results revealed that most landslides were distributed within the altitudinal range of 1500 to 1800 m a.s.l. on moderately steep slopes (15 ^o-20^o) in concave curvatures (hollows). Shallow slides mainly debris flows and debris slides were predominant. Most slope failures were initiated on mid to upper slope positions in either new or old scars. Some runout depositions of large slides ended in streams thus undermining water quality. The findings on topographic parameters have implications and yet landslide risk management by the local population was generally inadequate. Any efforts toward effective landslide risk management should prioritise greening the sensitive topographic hollows and old scars particularly on mid to upper slope positions.

Analyzing the dominant forms and extent of land cover changes in the Mount Elgon region is important for tracking conservation efforts and sustainable land management. Mount Elgon’s rugged terrain limits the monitoring of these changes over large areas. This study used multitemporal satellite imagery to analyze and quantify the land cover changes in the upper Manafwa watershed of Mount Elgon, for 42 years covering an area of 320 km². The study employed remote sensing techniques, geographic information systems, and software to map land cover changes over four decades (1978, 1988, 2001, 2010, and 2020). The maximum likelihood classifier and post-classification comparison technique were used in land cover classification and change detection analysis. The results showed a positive percentage change (gain) in planted forest (3966%), built-up (890%), agriculture (186%), and tropical high forest low-stocked (119%) and a negative percentage change (loss) in shrubs (−81%), bushland (−68%), tropical high forest well-stocked (−50%), grassland (−44%), and bare and sparsely vegetated surfaces (−14%) in the period of 1978–2020. The observed changes were concentrated mainly at the peripheries of the Mount Elgon National Park. The increase in population and rising demand for agricultural land were major driving factors. However, regreening as a restoration effort has led to an increase in land area for planted forests, attributed to an improvement in conservation-related activities jointly implemented by the concerned stakeholders and native communities. These findings revealed the spatial and temporal land cover changes in the upper Manafwa watershed. The results could enhance restoration and conservation efforts when coupled with studies on associated drivers of these changes and the use of very-high-resolution remote sensing on areas where encroachment is visible in the park.

Human-induced land degradation in biodiverse regions like Mount Elgon threatens vital ecosystems. This study employs drone mapping and community insights to assess land use changes, degradation, and restoration in Mount Elgon, Uganda. Drone monitoring (2020–2023) covered six sites, complemented by household surveys (n = 499), Focus Group Discussions (FDGs), and interviews. Drone imagery shows agriculture and planted forest as dominant land use types, gradually replacing tropical high forest, bushland, and grassland. Drone image results showed that smallholder subsistence farming is leading to and enhancing degradation. Landslides and encroachment into the park were detected in three of the six sites. Trenches were the most adopted Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) measure. The trench adoption varied by location and crop type, creating restoration potential, notably in Elgon, Nabyoko, and Shiteka. Interviews and FGDs revealed adoption of trenches, grass strips, and afforestation as remedies to land degradation. Complex interactions exists among land use, degradation, and SWC measures in the upper Manafwa watershed, underscoring the urgency of addressing landslides and encroachment into the forest. Community-based initiatives are vital for hands-on SWC training, emphasizing long-term benefits. Collaboration among government, local communities, and NGOs is crucial to enforce conservation and restore Mt. Elgon National Park, while encouraging diversified income sources can reduce land dependency and mitigate degradation risks.

Landslides continue to occur in the Elgon region despite interventions such as tree planting initiatives aimed at restraining them. The current study assessed the mechanical properties of six selected agroforestry tree roots on slope stability with a keen focus on root tensile strength, soil shear strength, and index of root binding. A standard deviation ellipse method was applied to model the spatial distribution patterns of selected agroforestry trees. Tree-landslide relationship was tested using the Pearson correlation method while root tensile and soil shear strength with a one-way (ANOVA) and descriptive statistics respectively. Species distribution results indicate a high dispersion rate of Croton macrostachyus and Markhamia luteaacross the study area and high concentration of Albizia coriaria downstream. A weak negative correlation (r = -0.20 < 0.01) was reported between diameter at breast height and landslide size. Tensile strength results observed a significant difference among species with (F (5, 573) = [18.161], p < 0.001) and Grevillea robusta (3.02±1.217kg/mm²), Albizia coriaria (2.53±1.382kg/mm²), and Markhamia lutea (2.28±1.01kg/mm²) as the best performers. The best shearing species was Albizia coriaria with average shear strength (52.46±10.24) kpa followed by Markhamia lutea (50.70±15.47) kpa. The Eucalyptus spp. on the other hand underperformed with average shear strength of (46.75±12.92) kpa. In conclusion, the presence of trees reduces landslide risk in an area and DBH is a very important guiding factor. Grevillea robusta, Albizia coriaria, andMarkhamia lutea emerged as best performers in terms of root tensile strength and soil shear strength hence their suitability for enhancing slope stability. However, Eucalyptus Spp., which is widely favoured in the region for its rapid growth was the worst performer with very low shear strength. Therefore, careful consideration of the tree characteristics is essential during promotion campaigns for slope stability in fragile environments.