Abstract:
The study on the payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) and livelihood improvement was
carried out in River Nyamwamba sub-catchment area in Kasese District which is part of
Rwenzori Region. It was aimed at assessing the implementation mechanisms for PES,
determining the effect of PES on the livelihoods of residents and the relationship between the
implementation of PES mechanism and ecosystem improvement.
The study employed a cross-sectional study design that used both quantitative and qualitative
approaches of data collection. A total of 207 respondents participated in the study. The study
used questionnaires and interview guide to collect data. The data collected was analysed using
Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS)Version22.0.
The study found out that a number of PES mechanisms were being implemented, including re
afforestation, biodiversity conservation, soil and water conservation measures, agroforestry, and
forest landscape restoration. The study also found out that PES facilitated households to pay fees
for school going children, establish better housing facilities, ensure food security, improve
savings and meet medical costs for family members.. The study also established that there was a
significant positive relationship between PES implementation and ecosystem improvement as
well as community involvement (r = 0.60, p < 0.001 and; flood control and disaster risk
reduction at (r = 0.45, p = 0.001), reduction of soil loss and soil erosion at (r = 0.40, p = 0.003),
water resource management at (r = 0.42, p = 0.002), biodiversity conservation at (r = 0.38, p =
0.005) but this seems not to be the case when it comes to the well-functioning ecosystems at (r =
0.35, p = 0.008. On this basis therefore, there is a need to implement robust monitoring and
evaluation systems to track the impact of PES programs on livelihoods in the study area. This
can be achieved through fostering sustainable partnerships and collaboration between
government agencies, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and other
stakeholders involved in PES initiatives - as well as strengthening the capacity of local
communities to effectively participate in PES management and monitoring. By doing so, PES
would be fair, transparent, and reflective of the value of the ecosystem services provided.
