Role of the local community in wetland resource management in Bugodi community, Kamwenge District

Abstract

The study was undertaken in Bigodi community, Kamwenge district with the aim of understanding the role of the local community in wetland resources management. The objectives of the study were;- to identify and document the activities undertaken by the local community members in the management of wetland resources, to assess the level of local community participation in the management of wetland resources, to examine the benefits of the local community participation in the management of wetland resources. The methods involved in collecting data included, sampling which involved use of open ended and close ended questionnaires, interviewing the local community, Uganda wildlife authority, local leaders, national environmental management authority and national forestry authority, the collected data was analyzed using SPSS with the help of a parametric test where the results indicated 27% participated in ecotourism activities which included improving their skills in weaving and mat making. The results can be used by national management authority and district environmental officers in planning for management projects and programmes.This research concludes that community participation in wetland resources management is important in ensuring sustainable use and management of wetland resources. The study recommends the need for local leaders to organize and manage the different local community activities by more organized institutions that are more equipped with management skills and ensure more sustainable wetland resources utilization and harnessing more benefits for the community.