Drivers of Wetland Conversion in the Tropical Environment

Oluwafemi Benjamin Adeleke

doi:10.20527/jwem.v7i2.204

Abstract

<p>The study identified factors responsible for wetland dynamics and negative marks produced on the environment in the area. It equally suggested efforts aimed at reducing effects of the factors on the environment. The study incorporated both meta-analysis of case studies and questionnaires distribution and administration to the respondents who are mainly members of the Fadama User Group (FUG). The results showed changes in rainfall intensity as the major factor responsible for wetland loss; followed by settlement developments and loss of soil water due to river drainage. The results further revealed the effects of the factors to include siltation of drainages, destruction of ecosystem and loss of wetness, and emergent of heavy flooding. The study concluded by suggesting efforts aimed at reducing the influence of the factors on the environment.</p>

Highlights

Wetland occupies six percent of the world’s land surface but it’s among the most important and threatened ecosystems in the world IPCC (1996)
Wetlands play a number of roles in the environment, principally water purification, flood control, and shoreline stability
A review of 344 Ramsar sites showed that 84% were either threatened or experiencing ecological changes mostly from drainage, pollution and siltation (Kabii, 1996)

Summary

Introduction

Wetland occupies six percent of the world’s land surface but it’s among the most important and threatened ecosystems in the world IPCC (1996). The factors included; changes in rainfall intensity and soil hydrology due to climate change, reduction in p ISSN: 2354-5844 e ISSN: 2477-5223 water body as a result of river/soil drainage, forested wetlands removal for farming, settlements/urban related developments and influx of migrants from neighboring villages and others.

Results

Conclusion