ABSTRACT The main purpose of this study was to find out the causes of wetland degradation in Jinja District, Uganda. The study covered the awareness of the people on wetlands; the values of the ecosystems; and the impacts of wetland’ degradation, so as to come up with strategies for better management and conservation of the Lake Victoria wetlands. This study found that wetland degradation was attributed to by anthropogenic factors including industrial pollution, over-harvesting, dumping, introduction of invasive species, deforestation, sedimentation and increased human population. However, pollution was the highest (27%), agriculture being the second as others follow. A total number of 160 respondents were randomly and purposively sampled. Data were collected using questionnaires, interview and literature review. The data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Ver.1l.5) and presented in frequencies and percentages in various graphs. The study recommended some measures to be put in place Among the proposed measures include to equip the environmental planners with facilities and resources such as finance and to monitor the ecosystems and various activities taking place around it, use of laws and further research to quantify and distinguish between the contributions of the major causes of wetland degradation (of Lake Victoria) to its present was recommended. Public awareness through education by trained officers to the local people should be done to achieve the best of wetland management and sustainable use of resources.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration ii

Approval iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement v

List of Tables vi

List of figures vii

List of acronyms viii

Definition of terms ix

TAble of contents x

ABstract xv

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

1.2 Statement of the problem

1.3 Objectives 2

1.3.1 Main objective 2

1.3.2 Specific objectives 2

1.4 Research questions 2

1.5 Significance of the study 2

1.6 Organization of the study 3

1.7 Scope and Delimitation of the study 3

CHAPTER TWO’,4

LITERATURE REVIEW 4

2.0 Introduction 4

2.1 Size and Distribution 4

2.2 Wetland categorization and causes of degradation 5

2.2.1 Wetland characteristics 5

2.2.2 Types of wetlands in Uganda 7

2.2.3 Major Causes of wetland degradation in Jinja district 9

2.2.3,1 Dumping 9

2.2.3.2 Pollution 10

2.2.3.3 Water hyacinth 10

2.2.3.4 Introduction of new species 10

2.2.3.5 Deforestation 11

2.2.3.6 Human population 11

2.3 Values and benefits of wetlands 12

2.4 Wetland Management And Conservation 14

2.4.] Management of wetlands in Districts 14

2.4.2 Management of Wetlands in Communities 16

CHAPTER THREE: 17

MATERIALS AND METHODS 17

3.0 Introduction 17

3.1 Description of the study area 17

3.2 Research design 18

3.3 Target population .18

3.4 Samples and Sampling Techniques 19

3.5 Data Collection 20

3.6 Data Collection Tools 20

3.6.1 Interview 20

3.6.2Questionnaire 20

3.7 Data collection and analysis 21

3.8 Limitation of the study 21

3,8.1 Delays 2!

3.8.2 Language barrier 21

CHAPTER FOUR 22

4.0 RESEARCH FINDINGS, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION 22

4.1 INTRODUCTION 22

4.2 Background information 22

4.2.1 Community members 22

4,2.2 Government Officials: 23

4.2.3 Development Partners’ 23

4.3 Awareness on Wetlands to the People of Jinja District 24

4.3.1 Wetlands as wastelands 24

4.4 Major causes of wetland degradation injinja district 25

4.5 Major pollutants of wetlands idehtified in Jinja 26

4.6 Impacts of wetland degradation to the communities ofjinja district 27

4.6.1 Fish decline 27

4.6.2 Reduction in water quality 27

4.6.3 Reduced precipitation 27

4.6.4 Species extinction 28

4.6.5 Sedimentation 28

4.6.6 Changes in the water level 28

4.6.7 Floods 28

4.7 Soluions and strategies for proper management and conservation of lake victoria

wetland 29

4.7.1 Control of industrial pollution 29

4.7.2 Affoiestation and awareness 30

CHAPTER FIVE: 31

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATIONS 31

5.0 Introduction 31

5.1 Discussion 31

5.2 Conclusion 31

5.3 Recommendations 33

5.3.1 Government 33

5.3.2 Developers~ 33

5.3.3 Public awareness~ 33

5.3.4 Fisheries development 33

5.3.5 Further researc1~ 33

REFERENCES 34

APPENDIX 37

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS 37

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS .37

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS 40

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS 43