Wetland Change and its Implication on the Livelihoods of Coastal Community Dwellers in Apoi Creek of Bayelsa State (Published)
Wetland change is a process of altering the physical, ecological, and biological composition of a wetlands ecosystem through human activities. This paper aims to give researchers a thorough grasp of the extent of wetland change and its implication for Apoi Creek Coastal Community in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A mixed method of geospatial and survey research design was used for the study. The study employed a random sampling method to select one hundred and sixty-eight dwellers living in communities situated within a 100-metre buffer zone surrounding Apoi Creek, utilizing a carefully structured questionnaire. The data shows significant changes in land use and land cover in Apoi Creek from 1992 to 2022. Decrease in water bodies significantly contributes to changes in wetland ecosystems in the study area. Human activities for survival such as farming, lumbering, fishing and others have significant effects on wetland change. To tackle these issues, various suggestions were put forward. These included safeguarding and revitalizing wetlands, advocating for sustainable land use methods, enacting conservation and management plans, and increasing public awareness about the detrimental effects on the natural environment.
Keywords: Change, Coastal, Implication, Livelihoods, wetlands
Estimating the Value and Benefits of Revenue Sharing Projects and Their Contribution to Community Development Around Nyungwe National Park (Published)
This study aimed at estimating the value and benefits of the projects that were funded by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) through the revenue sharing program around Nyungwe National Park (NNP) for its conservation. To achieve the study objectives, a cross sectional research design was used, combined with a qualitative and quantitative approach. Primary data was collected from community members living around Nyungwe National Park, community leaders and RDB staff through questionnaires and interviews. Microsoft Excel was used for the data analysis. Results showed that the revenues contributed to community development through the construction of infrastructures that are used by communities around NNP. But, lack of regular monitoring has also resulted in the failure of some projects. We realized that the value of revenue sharing (RS) projects plus the value of ecosystem services from Nyungwe are a golden opportunity for local communities to have access to finance and improved livelihoods. We realized that through Revenue Sharing Program RwF 649,186,778 were invested in infrastructures around (NNP) since 2005. Looking at their impact value after one year, we realized that actual net profit provided by them is valued to RwF 66,789,571. The impact value in 20 years from those infrastructures was estimated to RwF 14,319,526,980. It is recommended that RDB increase the revenue sharing funding and include a special guarantee fund to support a framework for integrated biodiversity conservation and human well-being.
Keywords: Livelihoods, human security issues, indicators