Abstract:

This study aimed at establishing why wetland degradation persists and recommends
various strategies in wetland policy implementation and for conservation. The specific
objectives were to assess local peoples’ attitudes and perceptions of wetlands and wetland
conservation, assess the level of illegal activities that are still being carried out in
wetlands and lastly to identify and assess the contribution of wetland management
programs in improving people’s household incomes.
The methodology adopted a cross-sectional research design with qualitative and
quantitative approaches. The cross-sectional design targeted 120 respondents distributed
100 residents and 20 opinion leaders (Wetlands Inspection Division-WID, National
Environment Management Authority- NEMA and Local Environment Committee
Officials) in Kabale District. Primary quantitative data was collected using a
questionnaire survey while qualitative data was obtained through interviewing key
informants, observation, and photography. Data analysis was done using Statistical
Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel and presented using frequency
tables, percentages and tabulations. From here descriptive statistics were obtained to
make inference about the data.
The results from the study indicated out of the 20 sub counties of Kabale district, only 7
sub counties had wetlands left. Fifty three percent (53%) of the respondents had attitudes
and perceptions favourable to wetlands and wetland conservation while 41% of the
respondents' attitudes were still unfavourable to wetland conservation. Burning was the
most notorious illegal activity facing most wetlands as suggested by 57 % of the
respondents. This is closely followed by the hunting al 20 % since wetlands arc the only
source of free meal according to the respondents. For household incomes from wetlands.
22% of the respondents don't get any money al all from wetland while 43% get between
10.000-100,000 Ug shs per year. However 20% get between 100.001-200.000 Ug Shs
while 12% of the respondents get between 200.001 up to above Im Ushs.
The biggest reason for the persistance of the above illegal activities was found to be
shortage of land (29% of the respondents). Being desparete or sturbbon took the 2nd
position (17%). The stubbonness is mainly due to over dependence on wetlands and lack
ol any other alternatives.
Nyamuriro wetland project was the only wetland programme targeting wetland adjacent
communities in the 2 subcounties of Ikumba and Muko. Welland restoration had been
successful carried out by this programme with a realisation of papyrus head loads for
firewood where couch grass rhizomes had been used before as firewood. The former
hostile and unfavourable communities to wetlands were the same communities who did wetland restoration It was concluded that there was little effect of the wetland policy on wetlands and
wetland conservation as well as peoples' household incomes seen from the continued
illegal activities. It was recommended that continous sensitisation be carried out as well
as availing local communities with different alternatives as was the case with the
Nyamuriro wetland project. A more detailed study to identify which wetlands to restore
and when is also highly recommended especially in the sub counties without any
wetlands at all.