CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF WETLAND CONSERVATION: THE CASE OF MENDIFFA WET LAND MISRAK SILTI WOREDA, IN SILTE ZONE, SNNPRS ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Now a days changes in land use management system to meet the demands of a growing global population are inducing a shift in the socio-economic and ecological function of the wetlands. Wetlands are basically areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life. The main objective of this study was to identify challenges and opportunities for Mendiffa wetland in Misirak Siltie woreda in Siltie zone southern Ethiopia The data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Out of 1652 target populations of 125 samples were selected in multi-stage sampling techniques. The collected data was analyzed by using the statistical package for social science (SPSS, version 22) and a mixed (qualitative and quantitative) research approach was designed. Methods were employed to collect and analyze data. The study found that Mendiffa Wetland was degrading due to human activities such as irrigation, hunting, and grass cutting; agricultural activities near the wetland; and using fertilizer in upper catchment areas of the wetland to improve productivity were among the major challenges that impeded conservation of the wetland. And also, sedimentation, overgrazing, lack of conservation, improved drainage, deforestation, intensive cultivation, the engagement of investments nearby, lack of knowledge, and weed infestation were identified as the major threats to the wetland. On the other hand, the existence of local mechanisms for conservation, the participation of different stakeholder’s the practice of different rules, and the involvemental watchdog of NGOs to protect the wetland were found to be opportunities. Finally, based on the findings, soil conservation practices should be given priority to protect the downstream sediment impact on the Mendiffa wetland. The aforementioned recommendations were forwarded, and issues that need further studies were defined by the researcher.