The study focused on examining the impacts of environmental change on the water potential of Bugingo wetland water resources in Mayuge District. The data analyzed from the study were based on objectives and research questions. These were to identify the major climate change impacts in the region, to identify the major causes of wetland degradation, identify the forms of wetland degradation and to examine the influence of climate change impacts on wetland water resources. Data was collected in all the three parishes using systematic random sampling among the farmers. Observation and use of transect walks across the wetland were the major ways of data collection where two plot of 200m one within the wetland and one on the flanking hill. A random sample of 25 respondents was selected for interview purposes.
It was mainly found out that, the environmental change impacts involved both the climate change and all the land degradation processes that threaten the existence of water resources in the wetland which is increasingly becoming a threat in the area. In conclusion, Environmental change impacts cause wetland degradation and water storage capacity in the region as per the analysis. Therefore, the establishment of a broad network comprised of wetland scientists, climate change scientists, economists, the public, agricultural community, land-use planners and policy makers. This is the one of main suggested solutions to the problem since it can create routes through which information and research results are communicated regularly as observed in chapter five.
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
1.3 OBJECTIVES
1.3.1 General objective
1.3.2 Specific objectives
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
1.7 DEFINITION OF THE KEY TERMS
1.7.1Environmentalchange
1.7.2 Climate change
1.7.3 Land degradation
1.7.4 Wetland
1.7.5 Water potential
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Climate change impacts
2.2 Causes of wetland degradation
2.2.1 Human cause
2.2.2 Natural cause
2.3 Forms of wetland and soil degradation
2.4 Consequences of climate change impact on wetland water resources
3.0 METHODOLOGY
3.1 AREA OF STUDY
3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN
3.3 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
3.3.1 DRAINAGE AND TOPOGRAPHY
3.3.2 CLIMATE AND VEGETATION
3.3.3 SOILS
3.4 SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
3.4.1 POPULATION
3.5 DATA COLLECTION
3.5.1 PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION
3.5.2 SECONDARY DATA
3.6 DATA ANALYSIS
3.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
4.0 PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.1 Climate change impacts in the region
4.2 CAUSES OF WETLAND DEGRADATION
4.2.1 Human cause
4.2.2 Natural causes of wetland degradation
4.3 Forms of wetland and soil degradation
4.4 Consequences of Climate change impact on wetland water resources
5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 SUMMARY
5.2 CONCLUSION
5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
Research Objectives and Themes
This study aims to examine the impacts of environmental change on the water potential of the Bugingo wetland system in Mayuge District, Uganda. It explores how climate change and human-induced land degradation contribute to water scarcity and ecosystem decline, ultimately seeking to propose feasible management strategies to improve water storage capacity and preserve the wetland's natural resources.
- Climate change impacts on regional water resources
- Causes and forms of wetland and soil degradation
- Influence of human activity on wetland hydrology
- Water quality and availability in seasonal wetlands
- Strategies for participatory wetland management
Excerpt from the Book
(a) Settlements and Urbanization
It was observed in the study that urbanization and settlements has caused impairment of Bugingo wetlands. This has resulted into direct loss of wetland as well as degradation of wetlands. Degradation has occurred in form changes in water quantity, quality and flow rates; increase in pollutant inputs; and reduction in species composition as a result of introduction of non-native species and disturbance. The major pollutants associated with urbanization are sediment, nutrients, oxygen-demanding substances, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, bacteria, and viruses. Construction activities have been a major source of suspended sediments that enter wetlands through urban runoff. Impervious surfaces such as, buildings, and parking lots are constructed. Impervious surfaces have prevented rainfall from percolating into the soil (See plate 5 below).
As it was observed in the study, many buildings do alter hydro periods and water flow in the wetland. This also in agreement with what USEPA (1994a) and USEPA (1994b) observed that many buildings in the wetland do create impervious surfaces. This reduces water infiltration hence causing reduction of the water leading to wetland degradation (See Plate 5).
Summary of Chapters
1.0 INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides the background of the study, defining environmental change and climate change as primary drivers for wetland degradation, and establishes the specific objectives and research questions for the analysis.
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW: This section examines existing research on climate change impacts, including prolonged dry seasons and soil erosion, as well as human and natural causes of wetland degradation.
3.0 METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the descriptive and analytical research design used, including systematic data collection methods like observations, interviews, and questionnaire surveys within the Bugingo wetland area.
4.0 PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS: This section presents the empirical findings regarding climate change impacts and various forms of wetland degradation, supported by field photographs and measured data on erosion.
5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This final chapter synthesizes the study's conclusions regarding the link between environmental change and wetland demise and offers recommendations for interdisciplinary management and policy intervention.
Keywords
Environmental change, Climate change, Wetland degradation, Bugingo wetland, Water potential, Mayuge District, Soil erosion, Hydrology, Land use, Water scarcity, Ecosystem management, Anthropogenic impacts, Sustainability, Water quality, Sedimentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on examining how environmental and climate change impacts the water potential and overall health of the Bugingo wetland in Mayuge District, Uganda.
What are the key thematic areas addressed in this study?
The study addresses climate change, wetland degradation, soil erosion, water quality changes, human encroachment, and potential management remedies.
What is the main objective of this work?
The primary objective is to investigate the impacts of environmental change on the water availability of the Bugingo wetland and to identify measures to improve its water storage capacity.
Which scientific methods were employed for data collection?
The study used descriptive and analytical methods, including systematic random sampling, transect walks, field observations, face-to-face interviews, focus groups, and quantitative measurements of erosion and water quality.
What topics are covered in the main body of the research?
The main body covers a literature review of climate change impacts, detailed analysis of human and natural causes of degradation, and an assessment of erosion and water scarcity through field findings.
Which keywords characterize this study?
The study is best characterized by keywords such as environmental change, wetland degradation, water potential, sustainable utilization, and hydrological impacts.
How does brick making specifically contribute to wetland degradation?
Brick making contributes to degradation by clearing vegetation for fuel and digging deep pits that alter the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the wetland, rendering it non-functional for water filtration.
Why is the Bugingo wetland considered a "seasonal" wetland?
It is influenced by fluctuating precipitation and dry seasons, leading to significant variations in water level and storage capacity throughout the year.
What impact does urban development have on the wetland?
Urban development introduces impervious surfaces that prevent rainfall from percolating into the soil, alters water flow rates, and introduces pollutants that degrade water quality.
- Citar trabajo
- Kisira Yeeko (Autor), 2014, The impact of environmental and climate change on Seasonal Wetlands. The Bugingo Wetland in Mayuge district, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/380608
