The contribution of wetland resources to people’s livelihoods :

Abstract

There are numerous benefits the society receives from wetland resources all over the world. Nalwekomba wetland located in Kamuli district, has for a long time been associated with improving people’s livelihood but has never been studied. This study was carried out to assess the contribution of the Nalwekomba wetland resources to people’s livelihoods and also assess the factors influencing or limiting people’s utilization of these resources. Semi-structured interviews, direct observations, key informant interviews and review of secondary data sources were used for data collection. A total of 80 respondents were used in the study, 47 of which were females and 33 were males. Data was coded in Microsoft excel and analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and Excel to get descriptive statistics. Responses showed that the wetland contributes directly to people’s livelihood through provision of water for domestic use, fertile land for crop growing, fishing, pasture for livestock grazing, brick making and others like craft materials such as papyrus. The income generated from activities done in Nalwekomba wetland is mostly used to cater for domestic expenses and educating their children. Water availability for domestic use and availability of land for crop growing for food security and incomes were considered the major contributions of Nalwekomba wetland to the livelihoods of the local people around it. There is need for community sensitization to enable communities appreciate the contributions of wetlands to the communities and the country at large, as well as guiding them on how to maintain their sustainably. The study also recommends adoption of environmentally sustainable strategies in the utilization of Nalwekomba wetland resources for the sustainability of community’s benefits from this resource.