Assessment of the effects of human activities on Okole wetland ecosystem services :

Abstract

Uganda's wetlands are widespread and complex (NEMA 2000). In Uganda wetlands are normally referred to as swamps. The most common vegetation in Uganda's wetlands is papyrus. For long time, wetlands in Uganda were condemned and seen as dangerous habitat that provides breeding ground for deadly reptiles, animals and insects such.as the anopheles. mosquito that causes Malaria (NEMA 1998). Out of the four (4) wetland systems in the Lira District, up to 46% of Okole wetland experienced increased encroachment during the war of the Lord's resistance army. The surrounding population that began to settle there engaged in cultivation. Poor weather due to often prolonged drought makes crop farming in the upland area unproductive. The community also carries out fishing to get food and raise money. The study was conducted in Ngetta sub-county among the communities surrounding the wetland in the parishes of Akia, Burlobo, and Ngetta in Lira district. The general objective was to generate information about current effects arising from various human activities carried out in Okole wetland on its natural benefits to the Okole wetland to the community. This information would be useful in guiding the district authorities design wetland resource conservation measures to ensure sustenance of livelihoods and quality of life of stakeholder communities. Data was collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and observations. The most prevalent human activity in the wetland was found to be crop farming to grow various crops to provide food for the family and sell the surplus to raise money so as to support the family with the necessary basic needs and requirements. Most people actively involved in prevalent activities encountered in Okole wetland are youth. Water is the main resources communities obtain from the wetland. Most people pointed out location of their land near the wetland as the major reason for their involvement in different activities in the wetland. Natural and ecological challenges are the challenges being faced in the wetland.