The impact of agricultural activities on the livelihood of riparian communities of Nalwekomba wetland ecosystem along River Nile, Namasagali, Kamuli District Uganda

Abstract

Land degradation in Uganda is becoming a major constraint to growth and development of rural livelihoods. The socioeconomic impacts of agricultural land use to the degraded Nalwekomba wetland ecosystem were investigated in three riparian parishes that highly depended on the wetland for a livelihood. These parishes were purposely selected and a sample of 130 households were randomly selected. Results showed wetlands are under threat of over-exploitation due to agriculture land uses. Majority of the respondents were willing to leave the wetland. There is a need to design strategies for alternative livelihood options for wetland dependent communities to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Keywords: Land Degradation; Livelihood; Wetland system