Wetland related livelihoods, institutions and incentives for conservation in the Great Ruaha River Wetland System

Abstract

Wetlands are among the world’s most productive environments and of tremendous economic benefits to society. Though wetland utilization for household agriculture and wetland resource extraction for household income generation may be the two most important factors driving wetland  degradation in Tanzania the furtiveness of small decisions makes mitigation efforts exceedingly difficult. Like other families throughout the  world, the decision that Tanzanian families make in regard to the use of wetland resources are strongly influenced by desire to improve their livelihoods. The importance of trade to household economies and as a  determinant of wetland resources status prompts an examination of the potential for using marketbased incentives and relevant institutions to enhance household incomes while conserving wetland biodiversity.  Balanced utilization of wetland ecosystems can be achieved if wetland related livelihoods, institutions and incentives for their management are  well planned, in place and understood by stakeholders. This study was conducted in Malolo B and Msosa villages in the Great Ruaha River wetland system to determine the existing wetland related livelihoods, institutions and incentives for management. The major wetland based livelihoods in order of magnitude are associated with use of wetlands for agriculture,  source of water for various uses, fishing, source of construction material such as for roofing, game meat, earth brick making, fodder/use of wetlands for livestock grazing. About 95% of the population in wetland adjacent communities are involved in agricultural production. The main  institutions involved in wetlands management are grouped in different categories based on the roles they play in wetlands management. These  include connectors, whistle blowers, enforcement, information exchange, management, education and capacity building, lobbying, entrepreneurs,
following and reinforcing, leading, rule creation, funding, wrecking and  caring, spiritual. The major incentives for wetlands conservation include clear clear land tenure), alternative income generating activities, joint management and stakeholder participation and privatization of wetland management.