International Journal of Education, Science and Social Sciences

Original Articles

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2024)

Community Benefits Derived from the Ecosystem Services of Marura Wetland

Published
2024-10-24

Abstract

Wetlands are one of the most important ecosystems, providing a number of fundamental services to the environment and local communities. Notwithstanding this great value, wetlands everywhere in the world face some challenges due to human activities that involve agricultural expansion, urbanization, pollution, and climatic change. Therefore, this study assessed the various ecosystem services provided by the Marura Wetland to the local community. The study was guided by Tragedy of the Commons theory and employed a cross sectional survey approach. The study area stretched between Koilel and Kaprobu Bridge along Eldoret- Ziwa Road. Stratified random sampling was used to select 200 households from the region. Data was coded into SPSS version 23 and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Water (97%), papyrus reeds (70.5%), and bricks (68.2%) were the main products from the wetland. 80% of respondents felt the wetland was nearing its capacity to support the local population, 76% agreed humans have the right to use the environment to meet their needs, and 74% believed local communities were significantly abusing the wetland, often leading to disastrous consequences. However, it also notes increases in human pressures within the wetland due to overgrazing, soil mining, and other exploitative activities that are threatened or have already reduced the sustainability of the wetland. The findings recommend increasing community awareness on the sustainable use of Marura Wetland through active conservation groups and educational programs, and implementing stricter regulations and monitoring to prevent further environmental degradation.

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