Effects of land use practices on namulonge wetland cover, Wakiso district, central Uganda.
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Date
2014-11-03
Authors
Tumuhimbise, Immaculate
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Wetlands are amongst the most productive ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa; because of
their capacity to store, distribute, filter and gradually release large quantities of fresh
water stock. However, there has been unsustainable use ofNamulonge wetland due to
uncontrolled land use practices resulting into its degradation. This is likely to lead to low
crop yields, high cost of agricultural production and reduction in fish stock hence
hastening food insecurity and threatening ecological systems in the catchment. Therefore,
the main objective of the study is to assess the effects ofland use practices on Namulonge
wetland cover, Wakiso District, Central-Uganda. Specific objectives include; to
investigate the various land use practices carried out in Namulonge wetland; to analyze
the trends in wetland cover from1983 -2013; to evaluate effects of each land use practice
on wetland cover. To achieve these objectives, a cross sectional data on land use
practices will be collected from 80 households who will be purposively sampled from a
total of 424 households using questionnaires. Step-wise regression model will be used to
analyse data on the various land use practices carried out in Namulonge wetland. A trend
analysis will be done for objective two over the longer term covering Namulonge
wetland. Wetland loss and gain will be quantified by computerized (GIS) analysis.
Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Microsoft Excel software will be used to draw
tables, charts and graphs for analysis. The findings will be presented as tables, charts and
graphs from which inferential conclusions will be drawn. The study will provide
information that will guide on wetland use, thus adding value to knowledge sharing
initiatives within the sub-catchment in the field of wetland conservation studies. Also, the
study will provide information about wetland functions and values to sustainably use
them to support people's livelihoods