The impacts of farming activities on wetlands:

Abstract

This study assessed the impacts of farming practices on wetlands. The case study was Nalwekomba wetland in Kamuli-Uganda. The main objective of the study was to examine the impacts of the farming practices on wetland. The study assessed the different farming practices which affect wetland values and their functions as well as the different measures to be taken to avoid or reduce the destruction of wetlands in Kamuli. The study was based on population sample size of 65 people from areas near Nalwekomba wetland in Namasagali-Kamuli. Data/information was gathered using questionnaires, and interview methods. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel and was presented inform of descriptions, charts, columns and tables. The results show that 93.8% out of the 65 respondents confirmed that there were impacts of farming practices had a great impact on the wetland and most of them identified the farming practices that affect wetland which included sugarcane growing, bush burning, trench digging, and fertilizer application. Use of fertilizers and chemicals had the highest percentages (41.3%), followed by trench construction (25.6%). 26.5% out of 128 responses said that sensitization should be done if wetlands are to be protected. Sensitization can be done through radio/ TV shows, seminars, workshops and meetings with the people farming in Nalwekomba. 25.0% of the respondents said that monitoring of Nalwekomba should be strengthened. This would help catch the people who are practicing improper farming methods in the wetland. 18.0% of the respondents said there should be employment of enforcers to implement the set laws and policies that protect Nalwekomba wetland. Another 18.0% of the respondents said that the all stakeholders should be involved in decision making. The government with other stakeholders like NGO’S can develop and implement a monitoring system. This ensures that the monitoring of the wetland and activities easy. The system can be able to track the changes in the water quality.