Abstract:
Kilombero Valley Floodplain displays a diversity of quality habitats with unique levels of
biodiversity of international importance. Despite the increasing utilization pressure of this
ecosystem no effective protection has yet been implemented and the future of the valley is
uncertain. The rich and distinct biodiversity of the wetlands is under multiple threats which
are yet to be adequately quantified. The objectives of this study were to identify socioeconomic
factors influencing utilization pressure, to identify and assess threats affecting
the biodiversity of the wetlands and assess conservation efforts and management
effectiveness in addressing the threats in the area. Information on the utilization threats was
obtained through Threat Reduction Assessment while management effectiveness was
assesed by use of the World Commission Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool on
Protected Areas and information on socio-economic factors was obtained through
structured questionnaires. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the socioeconomic
factors. Based on local people assessment, Threat Reduction Assessment Index
(TRA-Index) ranged from 6 to 13%. On the other hand, the TRA-Index at management
level (Ulanga and Kilombero Districts) ranged from 14.2 to 19.5%. The Kilombero
wetlands are therefore highly threatened from the perspectives of both local people and
managers. The management effectiveness for the wetland ranged from 15 to 32% thus, the
percentage score ranking given is poor. An increase in the number of ethnic groups,
married couples, farm size and market forces for socio-economic characteristics
significantly (p<0.05) increase the odds of utilization pressure and wetland degradation. In
order to achieve sustainable management of the ecosystem, active collaboration between
different stakeholders with interests vested in the ecosystem, appropriate policy, legal and
institutional framework is imperative.
