Utilization and Management of Wetland Resources of Kingwal Wetland by the Riparian Community.

Abstract

The uncontrolled utilization of wetland resources continues to impact negatively on wetland natural resource including plant and animal resources species composition, abundance, diversity and consequently on the ecological functioning of wetlands. This study was conducted to determine resource utilization and management by the local community in Kingwal Wetland located in Nandi County. Data were collected through descriptive research design. Systematic randomized sampling and use of structured questionnaire, personal interviews, focused group discussions, key informant discussion and field observations were used to characterize utilization and management of resources by the local community.126 questionnaires were administered to households identified by systematic random sampling method within the study area. Data were analysed through frequency distributions, and chi-square. Results indicated significant differences in the age distribution patterns of the respondents among the sampling sites (χ2 = 2.334, df = 3, p = 0.531) and that the levels of education attainment among respondents were significantly different among the sampling sites (χ2 = 36.926, df = 16, p = 0.002). The six most important wetland resources in order of decreasing importance were found to be grains (98.4%), vegetables (88.9%), papyrus (85.7%), grass (82.7%), water (77.8%) and fodder (77.8%). Results further indicated significant differences among economic activities practiced by the local community members (χ2 = 9.122, df = 7, p = 0.0004), wetland services offered to the local community members (χ2 = 25.143, df = 11, p = 0.0000) and knowledge of anthropogenic activities impacting the wetland (χ2 = 21.776, df = 3, p = 0.0000). 50% of respondents did not know the anthropogenic activities impacting the wetland hence were not conserving the wetland, this study therefore recommended that sessions of training and education be provided to the riparian community on the need for sustainable utilization of the resources identified for better economic benefits as well as provide the community with alternative livelihoods that will minimize the identified anthropogenic activities that degrade the wetland.