Community management of wetland ecology and socio-economic costs of wetland degradation in mudaswali Wetland, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Wetlands are one of the most degraded ecosystems on the earth's surface. In South Africa, loss and degradation of wetland ecosystems have occurred particularly through a variety of human activities. This loss of value of wetlands have impacts on functions such as water purification, flood control, ground water recharge/discharge, sediment/pollutant and nutrient retention which have serious consequences on socio-economic benefits of wetlands. However, there is still little knowledge amongst the local communities of what wetland degradation costs them. This study therefore, explores ways in which local communities value and engages in the management of wetlands by quantifying and costing (in financial terms) wetland degradation vis-a-vis socio­ economic costs. Judgemental assessment method was used to select the site for observations and availability of respondents. A structured questionnaire with open and closed ended questions was administered to 65 respondents who reside in the vicinity of the Mudaswali wetland. Focus group discussion helped to provide a technical perspective on the quantum of each wetland value and the estimate of wetland degradation in the region. Willingness to accept (WTA) technique was used to facilitate the estimate of socio-economic costs of wetland degradation by the local community. In addition, the use of willingness to pay (WTP) method helped in determining the value of wetland in the local community. As part of the major findings of this study, the majority of the respondents were females in the study. The most frequently stated value of the wetland resource was water for household consumption, land for cultivation; and fibre for handcraft and construction materials for example; clay and reeds used for thatching/roofing houses. A total of 51% of the respondents stated the degradation of wetlands in the area is between 51-80% (that is; significant). The results of respondents' willingness to accept (WTA) compensation for degradation and loss of wetland was a sum of R390 per month. Given the relatively low level of income (R500-R800) within the community, a loss of R390 constitutes a drawback to the community. On average, the respondents' willingness to pay (WTP) for wetland conservation was a sum of R30 per month. It should be noted that earlier the cost of wetland degradation to the community as a whole was estimated at R390 per month. The suggested value (R30) for conservation is therefore a strong expression for the value of wetlands to the individuals in the community. This research recommends the empowerment of local community using various incentives to encourage them to participate in conserving and managing the wetlands. There is also a need to carrying out further research on the proper utilization of wetlands and monitoring of wetland uses at local community scale.

Author dc:creator

• Sinyati, Mollel

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Omara-Ojungu, P. H.

• Community
• Management
• Wetlands
• Wetland ecology
• Degradation
• UCTD

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11602/1064

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:univendspace.univen.ac.za:11602/1064