Effects of wetland use on community livelihoods in Uganda, case study Limoto wetland.

Abstract

The study examined effects of wetland use on the community livelihoods using Limoto wetland in Buseta Sub County as a case study. The study used a cross sectional survey design, employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches- of data collection and analysis. The methods of data collection used were interview guide and questionnaires. The data was collected from a sample of 50 respondents and analyzed using Excel and SPSS (version 20) which facilitated the formation of frequency tables. The research findings indicate that majority of the respondents agreed that Limoto wetland provides food in form of rice and yams to the community. The research findings indicate that the majority of the respondents agreed that the wetland is a source of food in form of rice. and yams to the community as of them agreed. Most of the respondents agreed that wetland farming contributes to the economic diversification. 73% of the respondents agreed that Limoto wetland has helped people who do not have land to get where they can carry out some farming in order to improve their livelihood. The research findings indicate that most of the respondents agreed that Wetland is a source of fishing activities as 78% of them agreed. Majority of the respondents agreed that fishing activities is a source of income as seen by 90% of the respondents. The research findings indicate that 84 percent of the respondents agreed that the wetland provides the pasture and water for animals during dry seasons as supported by majority of the respondents. This has led to increased productivity in (he animals thus increase on the level of income earning and therefore, improving on the people's livelihood. From the research, I recommend that wetland farming should be carried out sustainably in order to avoid wetland degradation. Fishing activities should be carried out by using recommended equipment like sizeable nets.