Wetland Vegetation Resources and Livelihood Outcomes of Yala Swamp Residents

Abstract

Wetlands are highly productive ecosystems, providing several goods and services that are of value to people. Never the less, there is limited evidence to attest to this value especially in wetland areas of Kenya. The study was conducted to assess the effects of wetland vegetation use on community member’s livelihoods. The research design of the project was a descriptive survey with a sample of 200 participants drawn from households in Yala swamp area. Data was collected from a sample of 146 households using a structured questionnaire. This represented a 73.2% response rate, which was considered sufficient for analysis and inference. The study showed that the wetland vegetation use has a positive influence on both improved healthcare and nutrition of the Yala swamp community members. The study concluded that wetland vegetation resources played an important role in ensuring the community members’ livelihood outcomes through improved incomes, healthcare, and better nutrition. The study recommends that wetland resources should be protected otherwise, their key functions could be impaired when wetlands are lost or degraded.