Stakeholders’ Perceptions of the Problem of Wetland Degradation in the Ugandan Lake Victoria Basin Uganda

Wetlands are one of the most essential resources of Uganda. They are key components of the riparian areas filtering sediments from run-off thereby reducing water pollution. However, they are increasingly threatened by the expansion of agricultural activities. This condition prompted the study of stakeholder’s perspective on the governance of Lake Victoria natural resources in Uganda. The purpose of the study was to analyse relevant stakeholders with a stake in wetland resource, their socio-economic characteristics, motives and perceptions on wetland degradation in the Lake Victoria Basin. We aimed at understanding how stakeholders influence decisions of managing wetlands in the Upper River Rwizi and Iguluibi micro catchments in light of the current farming systems and practices and their implications to the Lake Victoria Basin. A mixed method approach that includes both qualitative and quantitative surveying techniques was applied. We used a semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, ethnographic observations and secondary data. A stakeholder analysis framework was used to identify the relevant actors with a stake in wetland use and management. It further analyses their characteristics and perceptions of the problem of wetland degradation. Results reveal that around the 1950s, wetlands were intact ecosystems without any disturbances from human activities. Land use changes started around the 1990s when farmers started diversifying from subsistence-based economy to market-oriented. The interests, benefits and conflicts over use and management of wetland resources vary from one stakeholder group to another and their influence and power relations are quite distinct. These all combined with governance systems and perceptions influence the process of wetland degradation.