Enhancing community conservation around Lake Mulehe Wetland, Kisoro District, Southwestern Uganda

Abstract

This study investigated enhancing community conservation around Lake Mulehe wetland, Kisoro district, Southwestern Uganda. The study purposively sampled 60 respondents from the communities around Lake Mulehe wetlands. Data was collected using drafted questionnaires and interviews carried out. Analysis was done using SPSS. Descriptive statistics was done to examine the research objectives. From the findings, the greatest importance of Lake Mulehe wetland to the frontline local community was cultural and economic purposes with 22%. The biggest threat to Lake Mulehe and its associated wetland was poor agricultural methods with 24%. Setting rules against encroachment of wetlands with 30% was the biggest role of the community in addressing the threats to Lake Mulehe wetlands. Creation of drainage channels with 21% was the most potential strategy for addressing the threats to Lake Mulehe wetland and diversifying the benefits to the frontline local community.