dc.description.abstract | Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on earth; they are areas permanently or
periodically waterlogged which offers the neighboring communities socio-cultural, economic
and ecological values. Wetland resources in Uganda have been traditionally utilized by people
as a source of materials for construction, crafts, furniture and as hunting and fishing areas. This
study investigated the impacts of human activities on Kazizi wetland in Bwikara sub county,
Kagadi district.
The study employed qualitative methods for data collection. Random sampling was used to
select samples from the population. key informant interviews, observation and were used to
collect data which was analyzed in SPSS for descriptive statistics. A sample of 90 participants
were randomly selected from four villages; Bwikara, Kisura, Kakoga and Nyakarongo to
participate in the study. They were interviewed on their views towards the impacts of human
activities on Kazizi wetland in Bwikara sub county.
Results showed that the human activities taking place in Kazizi wetland were crop cultivation
(25%), sand mining (15%), brick making (15%), settlements (12%), fish farming (9%),
resource extraction (10%) and animal raring (13%). Increased floods (20%), low crop produce
(1%), increased attack (15%), pest and disease (1%) and biodiversity loss (15%) were the
impacts of Kazizi wetland degradation. In order to conserve Kazizi wetland from degradation,
there is a need to improve on the enforcement, increasing public awareness, participation in
conservation and also increase on the funds given to local governments from the government
to implement the conservation and restoration plan. | en_US |