Publication: 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
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2025-07-10
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East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources
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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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African Inland Wetlands, Knowledge Status, Livelihoods, Wetland Policies, Sustainable Use.