Effect of Wetlands Conservation on People’s Livelihood around Kyetinda and Mabamba Wetlands, Central Uganda

This study in Kyetinda and Mabamba wetlands aimed at answering this objective on the impacts of wetland conservation initiatives on the livelihoods of communities residing around wetlands. A mixed-methods approach was used to examine wetland conservation, and community livelihoods around the peri-urban wetlands of Kyetinda and Mabamba. Sampling followed Taro Yamen's 1968 formula, selecting 540 participants from a target population of 5050. For Kyetinda, the sample size determination considered a population of 2,000 people living within a 250-meter perimeter from the water catchment area, resulting in a sample size of 300. For Mabamba Wetland, the sample size determination considered a population of 600 people living within a 250-meter perimeter from the water catchment area, resulting in a sample size of 240. This totaled 540 participants and 13 key respondents. However, the study involved 370 respondents and 9 Key Informants due to seasonality and poor accessibility of the study areas.

Community perceptions and engagement in wetland conservation revealed moderate awareness and participation, with mean scores of 2.397 and 2.800, respectively. High awareness of ecosystem changes, such as water quality and habitat degradation, scored 3.629, indicating an urgent need for action. Strong beliefs in the importance of wetland conservation for environmental health and biodiversity scored 3.521 and 3.413, respectively. Awareness of conservation's role in climate change mitigation was robust at 3.600. Moderate support for wetland protection policies and the importance of education scored 2.600 and 2.683.

The study also revealed a high positive relationship between wetland conservation and community livelihood (r = 0.546, p = 0.000, n = 370). Regression analysis showed that wetland conservation significantly influences community livelihood, accounting for 29.6% of the variance. The study confirmed wetland conservation as a predictor of community livelihood, emphasizing the importance of balancing conservation and utilization for sustainable development. Recommendations included enforcing zoning laws, educating communities on sustainable practices, and promoting community engagement in conservation efforts.