Evaluation of effectiveness of livelihoods opportunities for sustainability of ecosystem integrity:

Abstract

Wetlands ecosystem are essential to human well-being and form an integral part of the productive ecosystems capable of supporting the 2030 UN Agenda on sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDG1 which is about ending poverty in all its form everywhere on planet earth. Thus well managed wetlands can support this agenda because of their contribution to livelihood opportunities of vulnerable communities regardless of the size and location. The study was reference to Rushebeya-Kanyabaha wetland located in Muhang T. C. and Kyerero parish in Rukiga district during the month of December to march 2023. The general objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of livelihood opportunities for sustainability of ecosystem integrity. The specific objectives were to ascertain ways Rushebeya-kanyabaha wetland resource contributed towards community livelihoods, investigate the threats to services provided by this wetland resource to the community, assess different activities conducted by communities towards its conservation, and determine the economic contribution of wetland resource to the livelihoods of the local community. A pilot study was done to ensure validity and clarity of the questionnaire. A descriptive cross sectional research design involved qualitative and quantitative data gathering and analysis techniques. A total of 50 respondents were randomly sampled and data collected using questionnaires, interview guides and observation. The study revealed that respondents depended on the wetland to improve their livelihood through harvesting of craft making material, water collection, harvesting construction materials, food crop growing and fish for food or sold to earn income. Threats to the services provided by the wetland included excessive and unsustainable harvesting of wetland vegetation, dredging and drainage, burning, agricultural activities and over fishing. However, community members participated in conservation activities including restoration, demarcations, alternative livelihood activities and sensitization and awareness creation campaigns. It was revealed that Rushebeya-Kanyabaha wetland generated on average 135,000ug shillings monthly income to the respondents participating in economic activities such as craft making, fishing, food crop growing and selling construction materials.