Abstract:
Whereas wetlands provide tangible and non-tangible products like water filtration, domestic
water supply flood control, and habitat for biodiversity that contribute to income and food
security, wetland degradation is still a serious environmental problem in the world. Sustainable
use of wetland resources is not possible without the support and involvement of the local
community. Thus, it would be beneficial to understand the relationship between the people and
the wetland usage. A study was carried out to assess the socio-economic impacts of wetland
degradation on local communities adjacent to Namiro Wetland in Entebbe Municipality, Uganda.
The research was based on a cross-sectional survey design and data was collected using
questionnaires, interview techniques reinforced by field observations, photography and informal
discussions with local people. Data collected was thereafter analyzed both qualitatively and
quantitatively. Data was captured using Microsoft excel and exported to SPSS (Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences) for analysis which descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and
Analysis of variances were employed.
The finding generally showed that Namiro wetland had significantly decreased by 18% over the
past two decades. The main causes of wetland degradation were human population pressure, and
wetland reclamation to create crop fields and livestock grazing area as well as community
education and awareness gap. The major negative social effects of wetland degradation were
frequent flooding, scarcity of clean and safe water for domestic use and food insecurity. It was
established that although crop farming, animal grazing and brick making were the major
economic activities taking place in Namiro wetland, over 80% of the respondents experienced
economic loss due to wetland degradation, reduced crop yields and increased water expenses.
Therefore, the study underscores the urgent need for effective conservation education and
awareness outreach programs to foster a culture of sustainable management/use, restoration and
monitoring of wetlands.
