Potential contribution of peri-urban wetlands to livelihood of local communities in Shinyanga municipality

A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE OF SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE. MOROGORO, TANZANIA.

The study was conducted in Shinyanga Municipality, Tanzania to assess the potential contribution of peri-urban wetlands to livelihood of adjacent communities. The specific objectives were to examine the contribution of the peri-urban wetland ecosystems to natural capital– (food production/food security), evaluate the contribution of peri-urban wetlands ecosystem to financial capital –(household income) and assess the benefits received by farmer groups/associations formed around the utilization of wetlands (social capital). Data were collected through households and farmer’s group/associations questionnaires, focus group discussion and field observations. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics where correlation and t-test were applied. It was observed that 79.2% of the wetland adjacent communities depend on the wetlands for food. The major food crops were paddy, vegetables, fruits and sweet potatoes. The mean production levels of cereals, vegetables and fruits were significantly higher in wetlands compared to uplands (P≤0.001).In the case of household income wetland cultivation (paddy, maize, vegetables and fruits) generated statistically higher household annual mean income of Tshs 2,335,852/year (US$ 1,168) compared to Tshs 197,475/year (US$ 99) generated by upland cultivation (P≤0.001).The findings further indicated that 70% of the farmer groups/associations formed around wetland utilization accessed loans/credit to support agricultural production as benefit from being members. Sustainable utilization of peri-urban wetlands in Shinyanga Municipality generates substantial livelihoods to adjacent communities. Conservation of such wetland ecosystems is imperative for continued contribution to livelihoods while ensuring environmental conservation. Further studies are necessary to unveil the nature of social capital associated with utilization of wetland ecosystems.