Balancing between Conservation and Livelihoods in African Inland Wetlands: Synthesis of Published Information, Reflection of Reality on the Ground, and Review of Possibilities for Sustainable Use

Julius Kipkemboi

doi:10.37284/eajenr.8.2.3307

Julius Kipkemboi Egerton University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eajenr.8.2.3307

Keywords: African Inland Wetlands, Knowledge Status, Livelihoods, Wetland Policies, Sustainable Use

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Abstract

Wetlands are among the most threatened global ecosystems. African wetlands have unique vulnerability concerning sustainability and wise use. Apart from many threats, including reclamation, pollution, and climate change, these wetlands have unique challenges associated with livelihoods and demand pressures. The current trends in wetland utilisation for livelihoods in most African countries are unsustainable. African scenarios are characterised by unique circumstances about how people interact with natural ecosystems, and this determines the success or failure of any conservation efforts put forward by local, national, and international institutions. To unravel the complex issues surrounding human-wetland interaction, there is a need to not only unpack the science behind the global concepts, such as the Ramsar wise use. There is a need to understand the entire social, economic, and ecological nexus in which African wetlands exist. In a region where economic and livelihood dependency is high throughout the seasons and coupled with limitations of qualitative and quantitative data on wetlands, it is difficult to quantitatively conceive the magnitude of human impacts on wetlands. To promote sustainable use, new innovative approaches are required to create a trade-off between the competing interests of conservation and utilisation for livelihoods. The maintenance of ecological character is paramount and requires that the ecosystem properties are not compromised by the pursuit of provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting ecosystem services, particularly concerning utilisation for human well-being. The situation for African wetland ecosystems is currently complicated by the demographic trends around these ecosystems and the attendant livelihood demands, but also by uncertain climate change. There is not only a need to understand the social, economic, and ecological nexus within which African wetlands exist, but also to identify gaps in knowledge. This paper reviews published information on African inland wetlands and explores the possibilities of sustainable use to support human wellbeing while maintaining their ecological functions.

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