Manafwa District

Location

Manafwa District is bordered by Bududa District to the north, the Republic of Kenya to the east and south, Tororo District to the southwest and Mbale District to the west. The district headquarters at Manafwa are located approximately 27 kilometres (17 mi), by road, southeast of Mbale, the largest city of in the sub-region. The coordinates of the district are: 00 54N, 34 20E.

Overview

Manafwa District was created in 2005 and was part of Mbale District, together with Sironko District, before that. The total surface area of the district is estimated at 602.1 square kilometres (232.5 sq mi). In 2006, the northern part of Manafwa District was carved off to form Bududa District.

Population

In 1991, the national population census estimated the district population at about 178,50. The national census of 2002 estimated the population of the district at about 262,600 inhabitants. In 2012, the population of Manafwa District was estimated at approximately 367,500.

Geography

Manafwa District has three major climatic zones:

Close to the border with Kenya in the east and close to the border with Tororo District in the south. The main natural vegetation is savannah grassland.

In the center of the district. The natural vegetation is tropical rain forest.

To the west and north in the district. The natural vegetation is alpine mountain vegetation. A significant portion of this part of the district is part of Mount Elgon National Park, a protected natural wildlife reserve.

Economic activity

Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of the district. The fertile volcanic soils and the abundant rainfall, averaging 1,500 millimetres (59 in), annually, ensure ample yields of both cash and food crops. Some of the crops grown include:

The farm produce finds market within the district, the border of Kenya and as well as in the city of Mbale, about 30 kilometres (19 mi) to the west of the district, on the western slopes of Mt. Elgon.