Abstract
This study assessed provisioning and cultural ecosystem services (ES) provided by natural wetlands and rice fields in two Kenyan wetlands; Ombeyi natural wetland and rice fields in Kore Irrigation Scheme. Data was collected through household questionnaire survey of 151 randomly selected farmers and 1 focus group discussion. The provisioning ES assessed included fibre; papyrus mats, reeds and thatching grass; fish and rice while cultural ES were religious/spiritual, eco-tourism, educational excursions and recreational use. The provisioning ES were quantified in terms of biophysical quantities and monetary value while cultural ES were graded per level of utilisation as low, medium and high. The study revealed that rice fields have enhanced food production (rice) in the area in addition to their higher value in terms of provisioning ES; rice (USD 602.49) and fish (USD 1039.50), and cultural ES (religious/spiritual and recreational use). In the natural wetland, both provisioning and cultural ES have declined over the past 20 years. The annual monetary value of USD 397.40 and 683.50 were observed for papyrus mats and fish production respectively in the natural wetland. Although rice fields seem to have higher value compared to the natural wetland sustainable utilisation of both systems is crucial in enhancing livelihoods.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.