IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT) e-ISSN: 2319-2402,p- ISSN: 2319-2399.Volume 14, Issue 11 Ser. II (November 2020), PP 06-18 www.iosrjournals.org Utilization and Management of Wetland Resources of Kingwal Wetland by the Riparian Community. Sub-thematic area: Utilization and Conservation of Natural Resources. Wanjala N. Stella Alfred A Ochieng’ Department of Mulei.J.M Department of Biological Sciences Raburu P.O. Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Masinde Muliro Department of Biological Sciences Sciences University of Science Fisheries and Aquatic University of Eldoret University of Eldoret and Technology, Sciences Kakamega University of Eldoret Abstract The uncontrolled utilization of wetland resources continues to impact negatively on wetland natural resource including plant and animal resources species composition, abundance, diversity and consequently on the ecological functioning of wetlands. This study was conducted to determine resource utilization and management by the local community in Kingwal Wetland located in Nandi County. Data were collected through descriptive research design. Systematic randomized sampling and use of structured questionnaire, personal interviews, focused group discussions, key informant discussion and field observations were used to characterize utilization and management of resources by the local community.126 questionnaires were administered to households identified by systematic random sampling method within the study area. Data were analysed through frequency distributions, and chi-square. Results indicated significant differences in the age distribution patterns of the respondents among the sampling sites (χ2 = 2.334, df = 3, p = 0.531) and that the levels of education attainment among respondents were significantly different among the sampling sites (χ2 = 36.926, df = 16, p = 0.002). The six most important wetland resources in order of decreasing importance were found to be grains (98.4%), vegetables (88.9%), papyrus (85.7%), grass (82.7%), water (77.8%) and fodder (77.8%). Results further indicated significant differences among economic activities practiced by the local community members (χ2 = 9.122, df = 7, p = 0.0004), wetland services offered to the local community members (χ2 = 25.143, df = 11, p = 0.0000) and knowledge of anthropogenic activities impacting the wetland (χ2 = 21.776, df = 3, p = 0.0000). 50% of respondents did not know the anthropogenic activities impacting the wetland hence were not conserving the wetland, this study therefore recommended that sessions of training and education be provided to the riparian community on the need for sustainable utilization of the resources identified for better economic benefits as well as provide the community with alternative livelihoods that will minimize the identified anthropogenic activities that degrade the wetland. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 12-11-2020 Date of Acceptance: 28-11-2020 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Introduction Although there is no universally accepted single definition for wetlands, (Finlayson et al 2011; Flournoy 1997; Copeland 2010), the Ramsar treaty defines wetlands as areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres. Kenya acceded to the Ramsar Convention and it came into force in the country on October 5, 1990 with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) designated as the convention’s implementing authority and national focal point (Ramsar Convention Secretariat 2012a). The national wetland policy of Kenya on the other hand defines wetlands according to Lathrop, as those ecosystems that integrate the characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic environments namely, water, soil and vegetation (Lathrop 2011). This definition provides an important base for the Ramsar treaty definition emphasizing the use of wetlands as habitats for water fowls and therefore discourage progressive encroachment and loss of wetlands. A summary of these definitions indicate that wetlands comprise both land ecosystems that are strongly influenced by water, and aquatic ecosystems with special characteristics due to shallowness and proximity to land (Roggeri, 2016). The Environmental Management and Coordination (Wetlands, Riverbanks, Lakeshores and Sea Shores Management) Regulations 2009 define wetlands as ‘areas permanently or seasonally flooded by water where plants and animals have become adapted; and include swamps, areas of marsh, peat land, mountain bogs, banks of rivers, vegetation, areas of impeded drainage or DOI: 10.9790/2402-1411020618 www.iosrjournals.org 6 | Page Utilization and Management of Wetland Resources of King’wal Wetland by the Riparian Community. brackish, salt or alkaline; including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters. Riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands are also included in this definition. Both the definitions of the Ramsar Convention and EMCA Wetland Regulations include shallow lakes and rivers, floodplains as well as coastal belts and marine areas in their ambit. Wetlands occupy an estimated 6 per cent of the Earth’s surface area (Ramsar Convention Secretariat 2006). The exact extent of Kenya’s wetlands is still unknown owing to the lack of a wetlands inventory but they are estimated to occupy around 3-4 per cent of Kenya’s land mass although this can increase to 6 per cent during the rainy seasons (Kenya Wetlands Forum 2012). Wetlands goods and services contribute greatly to the livelihoods of riparian communities and to the total environmental stability within the wetland. Some important ecological functions including groundwater re- charge and discharge (Burt et al., 2002), nutrient retention (Kansiime and Nalubega, 1999), sediment/toxicant retention (Cole and Brooks, 2000), micro-climate stabilization (Bullock and Acreman, 2003), flood control (Burt, 1997; Bergstrom et al., 1990; Adamus, 1996; Costanza et al., 2007; Costanza et al., 2005; Acreman, 2011), nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration (Zedler and Kercher, 2005, Daniels and Cumming 2008). Wetland goods are also a source of food, and provide materials for construction and tourism (Kairu, 2001; Blumenfeld, 2009). However, the integrity of many wetlands continues to be decimated by multiple anthropogenic activities making them unable to perform their ecological functions (Eliśka et al., 2008). Some of these activities include the changes in water quality due to inputs of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from the catchment (Cole et al., 2010). Other anthropogenic activities impacting wetlands include agricultural activities, urbanization and pollution, (Mulei et al, 2014) There is also massive utilization and harvesting of vegetation from the wetland which has led to changes in plant and animal species occurrence, diversity and richness. (Mironga, 2005b; Abila et al., 2005; Mwakubo et al., 2007). Kingw'al wetland is found on the catchments of Yala River. It is popular as a habitat for the endangered Sitatunga antelope (Tragelaphus spekei,), the rare African python Python sebae and papyrus specialist birds including the globally threatened papyrus yellow warbler Chloropeta gracilirostris and papyrus gonolek Laniarius mufumbiri (Nasirwa and Njoroge 1997; Bennun and Njoroge 1999; Byaruhanga et al. 2001; Birdlife International 2004). Further, the wetland supplies large amounts of organic nutrients to fringing waters, thus allowing an increase in animal and plant production at the wetland edge (Gaudet 1980; Moore 1994). Kingwal wetland is a very important resource for communities living in the catchment area and downstream (Odongo, 1996). Cultivation in Kingw’al wetland in time of dry season is on increase and poses the biggest threat to the system resulting into degradation of vulnerable soil organic matter which is stored under waterlogged conditions; reduction in the water holding and filtration functions of the wetland as well as reduction in availability of drinking water among others This agrees with findings from studies in other wetlands. (Ashley et al., 2004; Kirui, 2010). This study was carried out in King’wal wetland situated in Nandi County (Latitude: 34°48’31.2”E to 35°26’88.1”E, Longitude: 0°32’41.7”N to 0°06’31.8”S), bordered to the North and West by Kakamega County, to the South West by Vihiga County, to the South by Kisumu County, South East by Kericho County and East by Uasin Gishu County. The swamp is located between latitude: 35°08’34.1”E to 35°11’22.0”E and longitude: 0°15’11.3”N to 0°16’13.6”S (Figure 3.1). The total surface area of the wetland is about 1218 km2. The Wetland has its main catchment arising from Uasin Gishu County, around Kesses. It comprises of a system of River Kesses, streams and springs interconnected to numerous swamps within the region stretching from Lolminingai to Kombe locations. (Kingwal Intergrated Wetland Management Plan, 2014-2018, Nandi County) DOI: 10.9790/2402-1411020618 www.iosrjournals.org 7 | Page Utilization and Management of Wetland Resources of King’wal Wetland by the Riparian Community. Figure 1: Map of King’wal Wetland showing its location. Inset;