Impacts of Human Activities On Wetland Resources Management at Nakivubo Wetland, Kampala-Uganda

ABSTRACT Wetlands are defined as “areas of marsh, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters”. Wetlands in Uganda cover some 30,000 km2, or about 13% of the country (Government of Uganda, 2001). Although almost all of the wetlands in the country are under threat in some way, those located in towns and cities face the perhaps the most intense pressures. Over the last decade Uganda has entered a period of rapid economic growth, rehabilitation and urban expansion. The population of the Ugandan capital city of Kampala has dramatically increased since the political turmoil of the 1970s and with it a, considerable rise, uncontrolled human settlement and industrial development have exerted extreme pressure on Nakivubo wetland drainage system in Kampala urban district. This research focused on examining the impacts of human activities on Nalcivubo wetland by identifying human activities practiced there, determining their effects and assessing the possible measures that can be carried out. Industrialization (19%) and waste dumping (19%) were pointed out as the most activities that take place in Nakivubo wetland and are considered to be the root causes of all degradation in this ecosystem.Water pollution (23%) was the most effect of human activities in Nakivubo wetland as a result of industrialization and waste dumping and water treatment (31%) showed up as the most measure available to help in reducing the effects of human activities on Nakivubo wetland which was said to be implemented by the government of Uganda at Ggaba water treatment plant and Bugolobi sewage treatment plant. Laws and policies (23%) alongside other mea~ures was also a very influential measure in managing the wetland. Re allocation of people (5%) was the least measure practiced in the area and the respondents used a defensive language that it is not even the root cause of all evil; saying it is industrialization.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

APPROVAL H

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS v

LIST OF TABLES ix

ABSTRACT X

TABLE OF CONTENTS vi

CHAPTER ONE ix

INTRODUCTION

1 .0 Introduction

1.1 Background of the study I

1.2 Problem statement 2

1 .3 Objectives 3

1.3.1 General objective 3

1.3.2 Specific objectives 3

1.4 Research questions 3

1.5 Scope 4

1.6 Significance of the study 4

1.7 Definition of key terms 4

1.7.1 Impact 4

1.7.2 Human activities 5

1.7.3 Wetlands 5

1.7.4 Resource 5

1.7.5 Management 5

1.8 Conceptual frame work 6

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CHAPTER TWO .7

LITERATURE REVIEW 7

2.0 Introduction 7

2.1 Human activities that affect wetlands 7

2.2 Effects of human activities on wetlands 11

2.3 Measures taken to reduce the effects 16

CHAPTER THREE 19

MATERIALS & METHODS 19

3.0 Introduction 19

3.1. Description of the study area 19

3.2 Research Design 19

3.3 Target Population 20

3.4 Sampling Design 20

3.4.1 Sample Size 20

3.4.2 Sampling Method 20

3.4.3 Sampling procedure 20

3.5 Sources of Data 21

3.5.1 Primary data 21

3.5.2 Secondary data 21

3.6 Data collection methods 21

3.6.1 Questionnaires 21

3.6.2 Interview guide 21

3.6.3 Observation checklist 21

3.6.4 Focus Group Discussions 22

3.7 Ethical Consideration 22

3.8 Validity and Reliability 22

3.9 Data Analysis and Presentation 22

CHAPTER FOUR 23

PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 23

4.0 Introduction 23

4.1 Demographic characteristics of respondents 23

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4.2 Human activities done in Nakivubo wetland 25

4.3 Effects of human activities on wetlands 27

4.4 Measures taken to reduce the effects 29

CHAPTER FIVE 31

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 31

5.0 Introduction 31

5.1 CONCLUSIONS 31

5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS 31

REFERENCES

APPENDIX I

QUESTIONNAIRE 35

APPENDIX II

INTERVIEW GUIDE 39

APPENDIX III 40

OBSERVATION CHECKLIST 40