Conservation Related Attitudes of Wetland Users in Kishi District, Kenya

Abstract

"Wetlands are critical natural resources in Kenya where they perform a range of environmental functions and provide numerous socio-economic benefits to local communities. However, many wetlands throughout Kenya have come under extreme pressure as government policies, socio-economic change and population pressure have stimulated a need for more agriculturally productive land. It is estimated that in Kenya only about 10% of the original wetland areas now remain. As in other places, institutional arrangements for the management of these fragile ecosystems have been inadequate. However, recent enactment of National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) in the country offers some promise for improvements. This paper reports on a questionnaire survey administered to a sample of wetland users in Kisii District on the subject of wetland protection and management. The implication of the results of this survey in the context of a strategy for wetland management in the district is discussed."