Climatic Variability and Change on Biodiversity, Freshwater Wetland Ecosystem Service and Livelihoods in Zanzibar

Worldwide, freshwater wetland ecosystems are very important for maintaining the ecological stability of natural ecosystems as well as enhancing the human well-being of the surrounding community. This study was aimed at assessing the impacts of climatic variability and change on freshwater wetland ecosystem services and associated livelihoods in Zanzibar. The Islands are extremely vulnerable to climate change; However, a limited number of studies have been conducted on the possible effects of climate change on the wetlands. The study was carried out in eight wetland areas, four from Pemba, which include Machopozoni, Kangani, Bopwe, Shidi, and Tibirinzi, and four from Unguja Island, which include Mwera, Matetema, Kaburi kikombe and Mtwango. A purposive sampling technique was used to identify representative wetlands for this study. A total of 160 households living in the area for more than ten years were randomly selected and surveyed in this study, making an average of 20 households per study site. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to capture different socio-wetland activities, and a checklist was used to record observations. The results show that about 98% of women interviewed mentioned that they used wetland for farming rather than other activities, while 88% of men depend on wetland for food and employment, and 30% of all respondents mentioned the importance of wetland for agricultural production. 57% of respondents in Unguja mentioned that pollution of wetlands is due to pesticides, while in Pemba, it is 78%. In the present study, there is no proper strategy set by communities for the conservation of wetlands. There is a decline in animal and plant species, Poor use and handling of pesticides, community dependent on wetland. Developed a wetland conservation strategic plan in both languages (English and Kiswahili). To encourage stakeholders to support the implementation plan.