The current state of natural ponds of North Unguja, Zanzibar: The alteration due to climate change and anthropogenic events

Abstract

Natural ponds are a biologically important habitat type for their specialized collection and the considerable numbers of rare and endemic species they support and play critical role in maintaining biodiversity. Continued increases in anthropogenic behavior and climate change, act in concert to cause alteration to pond and pond perimeter. In Zanzibar, there are several ponds that impound rainfall runoff; however, there is slight concern in conservation in spite of it great support to ecosystem and livelihood. This paper aimed to determine the current changes within the natural pond perimeter of both natural and anthropogenic events, in north region of Unguja, Zanzibar. A mixed method approach was employed to collect data from 113 respondents that are community members around the six ponds (Vuga, Kichungwani, Mbiji, Muwanda, Kinyasini, and Ketwa) were involved in the study. The qualitative data collected through observations based on checklist made around the ponds was analyzed using atlas Ti software, whereas quantitative data collected through questionnaires and measurement were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. The study findings revealed that in the northern Unguja ponds, there is a greater decrease in Area size, changing in condition of water, settlement encroachment and change in vegetation cover which alter the ecosystem composition and human livelihood. These findings highlight the fundamental importance to raise awareness of the alteration trend of the northern Unguja pond and Zanzibar in general. Keywords: Natural ponds, climate, changes (alteration), anthropogenic, freshwater.