| 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 impact of human activities on Katehe wetland in Ibanda district. The objectives of this study were to find out the human activities carried out with in Katehe wetland, the awareness on policies and legislations on wetlands in Ibanda district and the effect of human activities on the wetland. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection, simple random sampling was used to draw a sample from residents operating and living in and around the wetland. Interviews, questionnaires (both open ended and close ended questions), observation, photography and review of relevant literature were used to gather data. Quantitative data was analyzed with aid of statistical package for social scientists (SPSS). Simple descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies were used to determine correlation of data variables. The results showed that; agriculture, brick making, sand mining and crafts were the major human activities taking place within Katehe wetland with brick making taking the lead at 44%. The results further showed that human activities were resulting in negative effects on Katehe wetland. In particular the results singled out extraction of clay for brick making, encroachment for agricultural activities and sand mining as the main human activities contributing negatively’ to harmony and co-existence between the community, biodiversity and Katehe wetland natural resource. It was concluded that human activities had led to environmental degradation and this according to the study was due to lack of information and awareness about the values, uses and guidelines for wise of the wetland. The study recommended that; people should be informed on the values, uses and importance of wetlands. It also recommended that new activities that do not harm the wetland but instead make the wetland economically viable such as fish farming be introduced. The study also recommends that suitable guidelines should be framed to streamline the sand and brick clay mining in the wetland on an Eco-friendly basis | en_US |
