Effects of agricultural production on wetlands: a case study of Koniala wetland, Kisumu County
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Date
2011-08
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Kampala International University
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the extent to which wetland agricultural production allows the wetland ecosystems of the developing countries to be tempered with due to the increased human activities i.e. agro-production. Similarly, it allows us to establish quantitative relationships between anthropogenic activities and ecological responses. Effect of farming practices on wetlands in Kisumu District was determined through assessment of farmers’ environmental awareness. Effective conservation of wetlands in the District cannot depend on prohibitions but should be based on users’ knowledge and attitudes of wetlands. The present study examined farmers’ knowledge of the environmental effect of agricultural expansion to wetlands; absence of knowledge of characteristics of farming activities and the attitudes of farmers with respect to planning mechanisms that might be used to support wetland protection in the area. The majority of farmers ignored the effect of agriculture on wetlands. Those who occupied wetland areas practiced intensive agriculture and were ignorant of the effect of this on water quality, soil and landscape. The government should implement training programmes for all wetland users in Kisumu County to make them more environmentally aware of the impacts of farming practices on wetlands. This is meant to make them become more environmentally aware of the effects of farming practices on these ecosystems and eventually change their behavior. There is a need to build a conservation ethic among wetland users by educating them to sustainably utilize wetland resources and training them to practice sustainable agriculture. Specifically, we need to treat each new project and scheme as a “natural experiment” where the ecological resources and effects are quantified from before the project is implemented until long after implementation. Until this is accomplished, we run the risk of repeating the same mistakes that have been made in the past. The research used quantitative methods in tabulated information, percentages and charts. To sum up, the researcher was able to come up in agreement with the local community who came to understand the need of wetland sustainability hence agreed to carryout sustainable agriculture and conserve wetlands.
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of Bachelor’s Degree in Environment Management of Kampala International University.
Keywords
Agricultural production, wetlands