LAND USE THREAT TO WETLAND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES: THE CASE OF IKPOBA RIVER WETLAND

ABSTRACT

This study examined the threats of encroaching land uses to the provision of ecosystem services by Ikpoba River Wetland. Purposive sampling was used to select seven communities along the course of Ikpoba River within which this study was carried out. The objectives of the study were to identify the land use types on the wetland and their socio-economic importance to the local population; determine the extent of the wetland that has been lost to different land uses or activities; assess the level of awareness of the local population towards wetland use and benefits of ecosystem services; and to assess the level of compliance towards wetland protection laws should they exist. The methods of observation and questionnaire administration were employed to collect data in the study area. From the analysis of data, it was discovered that housing development and conversion of wetland to agricultural land constitute the major land uses encroaching on the wetland. The study also revealed the tendency of the general public to appreciate only tangible benefits derived from the wetland over intangible services. In addition, the study revealed that the proliferation of activities that constitute threats to the health and integrity of Ikpoba River Wetland is due to the absence of regulatory laws providing a framework for its conservation and use. The study recommends that policies be put in place to checkmate human activities that degrade the wetland to prevent further deterioration and loss of its ecosystem services.