The Implication of Wetland Degradation On the Environment a Case Study of Nyarweshama Parish-Bushenyt District

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Declaration

Dedication

.

ii

Acknowledgement iii

List of maps vi

List of figures

List of graphs

List of photographs vii

List of tables vH

CHAPTER ONE:

1.0 Introduction/Background 1

1.1 Statement of the Problem 2

1.2 Objectives of the Study 3

1.3 Research Questions 3

1.4 Scope ofthe Study 4

1.5 Significance of the Study 4

CHAPTER TWO:

2.0 Literature Review 5

2.1 Significance of Wet lands in the World 5

2.2 Types of Wetlands 6

2.3 Wetland Values 7

2.4 Importance of Wetlands in Uganda 9

2.5 Wetland Productivity 15

2.6 Causes of Wetland Degradation 20

2.7 Effects of Wetland Degradation 22

2.8 How Wetland Degradation has been dealt with 23

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Methodology and Study Area 24

3.1 Study Area 24

3.1.1 Location 24

3.1.2 Climate 25

3.1.3 Topography 25

3.1.4 Population 25

iv

3.1.5 Language .25

3.1.6 Culture 25

3.1.7 Religion 26

3.1.8 Education 26

3.1.9 Economic Activity 26

3.1.10 Infrastructure 27

3.1.11 Energy Source 27

3.2.0 Research Design 27

3.2.1 Sample Frame Work 28

3.2.2 Sample Size 28

3.3.0 Data Collection Procedures 28

3.3.1 Questionnaires 28

3.3.2 Observation 28

3.3.3 Photography 29

3.3.4 Documentation 29

3.3.5 Experienced problems 29

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Discussion and Presentation of Research Findings 31

4.1.1 Brick Laying 32

4.1.2 Burning 35

4.1.3 Agriculture 36

4.1.4 Inadequate Awareness and negative Attitude

towards Wetland Use 38

4.1.5 Unsustainable harvesting 39

4.1.6 Increasing population 40

4.1.7 Sand mining 41

4.1.8 Pollution 41

4.2.0 Implication! effects of wetland degradation 43

4.2.1 Loss of biodiversity 44

4.2.2 Decrease in water levels and drying of water sources 46

4.2.3 Micro-climatic change 46

4.2.4 Diseases 47

4.2.5 Siltation and Sedimentation of water sources 47

4.2.6 Floods 47

4.2.7 Loss of Firewood 48

4.2,8 Low Crop Productivity 48

4.2.9 Poverty 48

v

4.3.0 Measures that can be taken to control wetland degradation 49

4.3.1 Promotion of adequate legislation 50

4.3.2 Putting up Restrictions on buying wetlands 50

4.3.3 Encourage wetland regeneration 50

4.3.4 Encourage participation of stakeholders 51

4.3.5 Promote small scale enterprises 51

4.3.6 Encourage decision making at grass root 51

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Conclusion 52

5.1.0 Causes of wet land degradation 52

5.1.1 Effect of wetland degradation 52

5.1.2 Measures that can be taken to solve wetland degradation 52

5,2 Recommendations 53

5.2.0 Approval for wetland utilization 53

5.2.2 Partial modification 53

5.2.3 When to cultivate 54

5.2.3 Drainage of channels 54

5.2.4 Use of alternative source of energy for brick burning 54

5.2.5 Use of charcoal bullets for cooking 54

5.3 References

5.4 Appendices 58

LIST OF MAPS

Map I 12

Map 2 24

Map ~ Appendix 3

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 18

Figure 2

LIST OF GRAPHS

Graph I 15

Graph 2 32

Graph 3 34

Graph4 38

Graphs 44