Economic valuation of wetlands :

Abstract

Wetlands perform a number of ecosystem services and are well recognized internationally recognized as one of the most important ecosystems for the conservation of biodiversity. Kagango wetland directly and indirectly supports thousands of people, and provides goods and Services namely fertile agricultural soils, wetland fish; wetland trees for timber and fuel wood and reeds to make mats and to thatch roofs. However, the wetland is being rapidly degraded through brick making, and art and craft which appear to yield much higher and more immediate profits. The wetland is located in KITC Sheema District where a sample of 60 respondents was taken. The general objective was to determine the total economic value of Kagango wetland in its current state through finding out the reasons for encroachment, determining the current environmental and ecological benefits from the wetland accrued to different community activities conducted in Kagango sub-county and suggesting the best possible ways of conserving Kagango wetland. Questionnaires and interviews were. used to gather data from wetland encroachers, local leaders, and 5 key informants from SDLG. The estimated monetary value for the different wetland benefits that accrue to the people who use this wetland was arrived at by using the replacement cost method. Findings revealed that most individuals use the wetland either for papyrus harvesting, agriculture or brick making which are highly paying activities. Also the replacement cost value of Kagango wetland in its current state was estimated to be US $ 3,827.3per month. The replacement costs per month steadily increase as more people engage in Kagango wetland utilisation which jeopardises the future existence of the wetland. Therefore, this calls for promoting papyrus harvesting for mulching of crops grown outside the wetland to. enhance output and incomes.