Analysis of the status of boye-kito wetlands using The dpsir frame work, south west Ethiopia

Abstract

Wetlands historically played noticeable role in human civilizations and cultural development. They are sources of food, tourism, cultural resources, help in flood control, improve hydrological quality, and hot spots of biodiversity and wildlife conservation. However, global wetlands in general and those in Ethiopia are subject to anthropogenic degradation. BoyeKito wetland is one of the valuable wetland resources in southwestern Ethiopia which is a home for unique birds’ and source of income for local community. However, the status of Boye-Kito wetland was not adequately recognized by the public at large. As a result, the current study was initiated to analyze the status of Boye-Kito wetlands using the Driving forces-Pressures–State– Impact – Responses Framework (DPSIR). The specific objectives were 1) to identify the socioeconomic drivers and pressures and 2) to assess the socioeconomic impacts and responses of changes in the processes and functions of the Boye -Kito wetlands. The results of the current study revealed that the major drivers in Boye-Kito wetland were Population growth (47%), government policy in reducing employment opportunity (14%), food insecurity (13%) and land shortage for cultivation and grazing (11%), respectively. Also, drainage and agricultural practice (23%), sediment deposition and municipal waste discharge (19%), upland vegetation clearance (13%), and new settlement (13%) were pressure indicators. Biodiversity loss (34%), sediment level rise (26%), decrease hydrological level and quality (27%), and erosion hazards (15%) were the notable state change indicators. On the other hand, settlement expansion (70%) and suitability to agricultural practice due to better local market (36%) were also the accompanied observed impacts. Consequently, poor grass quality (43%), long distance and hours to collect grass (20) were also undesired impacts. Typical responses technical (32%), institutional (31%), policy related (25%), and planning (21%) were given for the betterment of the wetland. Therefore, to sustain the health of BoyeKito wetland studying on how to raise awareness of local community, identification of measures to manage Boye-Kito wetland through community participation, and identification of potentials and constraints to ensure their potential meet food security might be helpful