Effects of Wetland Policy on Conservation and Household Incomes in Kabale District, Uganda

Abstract

This study aimed at establishing why wetland degradation persists in Uganda despite Ramsar and other wetland policy interventions. The objectives were to assess local peoples’ attitudes towards wetlands; assess the level of illegal activities in wetlands; and assess the contribution of wetland management programs and projects to household incomes. We used a cross-sectional mixed methods design and targeted 120 respondents, including residents and opinion leaders in KabaleDistrict. The study showed that fifty three percent of the respondents perceived wetlands favourably. Fifty seven percent of the respondents reported illegal activities of burning followed by hunting at 20%. Twenty two percent did not get any monetary income from wetlands while 43 percent reported getting between shillings 10,000-100,000 annually. Only 12 percent reported getting above 1 million shillings. Illegal activities persisted because of land shortage and being desperate due to lack of other alternatives. In Kabale District, only Nyamuriro wetland project, covering Ikumba and Muko sub counties, implemented wetland restoration. We concluded that the wetland policy has had little impact on household incomes and illegal activities in wetlands. We recommended continuous sensitisation.