The role of Bahi swamp wetland in enhancing household food security and income of adjacent communities
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Date
2010
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
The study was conducted to assess the role of Bahi swamp resources in enhancing
household food security and income of adjacent communities. Specifically, the study
assessed the socioeconomic activities in the swamp with a potential contribution to local livelihoods, the contribution of the swamp in enhancing household food
security and income and the level of local dependence on the sw'amp. Two villages (Makulu and Nagulo-Bahi) were involved. Data were collected through
questionnaire, PRA techniques (resource mapping, key informant interviews and
focused group discussions) and direct observation. Data were summarized and
analysed using Microsoft Excel. SPSS and content analysis. Other data from
discussions were analysed through relative ranking. The socioeconomic activities
with potential contribution to food security and income of adjacent communities in
order of importance included crop cultivation, fishing, livestock grazing and
collection of thatching grasses. Cultivation of paddy rice contributed significantly to
household food security generating 65.4% of total household food crop production
compared to other crops grown in drier areas adjacent to the swamp. Fishing played a
substantial contribution to household food security through household consumption
of 10% of fish caught. For household income, sales of paddy rice from the swamp
contributed 59.6% while fish sales contributed 36% of the total annual household
income. Multiplier activities emerging during fishing season facilitate income to a
wider group of communities. On average, 56.2% of the population depend on the
swamp for daily socio-economic activities associated with generation of household
food and income. The Bahi swamp and related products play a significant role iniii
enhancing local livelihoods for the adjacent communities. Planning for wise use of
the swamp in respect of the dominant socioeconomic activities will likely improve its
contribution to livelihoods.
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Thesis
Keywords
Food security, Bahi swamp wetland, Household food security, Adjacent communities