Wetland resource utilization and its impact on biodiversity of the Kilombero Valley Floodplains Ramsar Site, Tanzania

Abstract

Kilombero Valley Floodplain displays a diversity of quality habitats with unique levels of biodiversity of international importance. Despite the increasing utilization pressure of this ecosystem no effective protection has yet been implemented and the future of the valley is uncertain. The rich and distinct biodiversity of the wetlands is under multiple threats which are yet to be adequately quantified. The objectives of this study were to identify socioeconomic factors influencing utilization pressure, to identify and assess threats affecting the biodiversity of the wetlands and assess conservation efforts and management effectiveness in addressing the threats in the area. Information on the utilization threats was obtained through Threat Reduction Assessment while management effectiveness was assesed by use of the World Commission Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool on Protected Areas and information on socio-economic factors was obtained through structured questionnaires. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the socioeconomic factors. Based on local people assessment, Threat Reduction Assessment Index (TRA-Index) ranged from 6 to 13%. On the other hand, the TRA-Index at management level (Ulanga and Kilombero Districts) ranged from 14.2 to 19.5%. The Kilombero wetlands are therefore highly threatened from the perspectives of both local people and managers. The management effectiveness for the wetland ranged from 15 to 32% thus, the percentage score ranking given is poor. An increase in the number of ethnic groups, married couples, farm size and market forces for socio-economic characteristics significantly (p<0.05) increase the odds of utilization pressure and wetland degradation. In order to achieve sustainable management of the ecosystem, active collaboration between different stakeholders with interests vested in the ecosystem, appropriate policy, legal and institutional framework is imperative.