Assessing the drivers for the degradation of wetlands in Buhweju district, South Western Uganda

Abstract

Wetland degradation in Buhweju district is increasing yet the factors that exacerbate this problem have remained persistent for a long time. Research in the area of wetland degradation in Buhweju district is limited which prompted the conduct of this study. The study examined the drivers for the continued degradation of wetlands in Buhweju district. It covered two sub-counties of Rwengwe, and Karungu in Buhweju District. The specific objectives of the study were to: (a) identify the factors that force people to degrade wetlands in Buhweju District; (b) Determine the impacts of wetland degradation on people’s livelihoods in Buhweju District and (c) Analyze the challenges of conserving and restoring wetlands in Buhweju District. A cross-sectional survey research design which accommodated both the qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. Both primary and secondary data were collected. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to obtain a sample size of 400 respondents. Data were collected using standardized self-administered questionnaires and structured interviews. The key findings indicated that Buhweju wetlands are mostly permanently flooded and are increasingly getting degraded due to human encroachment. There was a strong association between wetland degradation and increased human activities. Drought (34%), poverty (15%) and Covid-19 restrictions (14%) were the main factors that contribute to wetland degradation in the district. Lack of land for settling and to grow crops (p=0.027), the demand for medicinal plants from wetland (p=0.028) and drought (p=0.0) were identified as the significant factors that forced people to degrade wetlands. Poor water quality in springs, community conflicts, diseases, reduced food, and increased mosquito breeding sites and reduced incomes were the leading impacts of wetland degradation. The significant challenges that constrain wetland conservation and restoration were limited funding (22%) to support restoration actions and limited awareness (22%) about the need for and importance of restoration among the community members. The key issues that require immediate attention by government to mitigate continued wetland degradation include; addressing poverty among the locals, the increasing use of pesticides and fertilizers in agricultural farms, awareness of wetland values among the public, and addressing the issue of political interference in the management of wetlands.