Wetland importance and dependence among households around the Ogun River Basin, Nigeria

Abstract

Wetland is particularly important in developing countries for economic purposes. This study examines livelihood activities, wetland dependence and its determinants among wetland households. Primary data were collected from households in a two stage random sampling procedure. Both descriptive and quantitative methods were employed for data analysis. Results show that support for dry season production, all year round water supply, and fishing were the first, second and third most important benefits of wetland to households. Socio-economic factors have influences on wetland dependence. This study concludes that wetland support dry season farming and is heavily depended upon for income by households in wetland communities. It is therefore recommended that skills acquisition centres should be established in wetland communities to engage youths particularly male in other employment apart from wetland related ones so as to reduce dependence on wetlands and thus take pressure off them.