Contribution of Wetland Resources to Household Incomes of Riparian Communities of Katonga Wetland in Mpigi District,

Katonga wetland which lies to the western part of Lake Victoria covers an area of 237.4 km2. Although the wetland is known to contain flora and fauna that support livelihoods, there has been lack of information on the economic value of these resources and their contribution to livelihoods particularly of the rural riparian communities. The objective of the study was to generate information on the vital wetland resources, the economic value and contribution of these resources to riparian community livelihoods. The study was carried out in Nkozi and Kituntu sub-counties in Mpigi District-Uganda; it covered six parishes through which the wetland runs and involved 120 respondents. The study established that resources in the wetland are collected for subsistence and direct commercial extraction. The most important resource derived from the wetland for subsistence use was water for rural domestic use with each household using an average of 188l per day (23l per person) and was estimated at an annual economic value of Uganda shillings (Ushs) 490,191 (U $ 233.4) per person per year. Fisheries were the most important commercial activities undertaken in these parts of the wetland involving 36 % of respondents collecting an average of 119kg per week with an estimated annual value of Ushs. 3,991,367 (U $ 1,900.6) per person. These activities particularly collection of water and fuel wood are undertaken throughout the year, while harvesting of craft materials is mainly done during the dry season (January-March and June-August). Fishing is done mainly in the we