The Ecology and Livelihoods of the Local Community in Ombeyi Wetland

Wetlands cover about 4¿6% of the earth¿s surface and are the most productive ecosystems on earth. Despite their importance, wetlands are being modified or reclaimed, often driven by economic and financial motives. They are under threat from natural and anthropogenic factors with more than half having disappeared, largely through factors related to increase in human population such as; conversion to agricultural use, urbanization, transport and communication, human settlement and infrastructure expansion. This book assessed the water quality, vegetation status, socio-economic status as well as livelihood options of local communities adjacent to Ombeyi wetland, Kenya. Water quality (pH, Dissolved Oxygen and turbidity) were analysed and vegetation attributes; species composition and frequency were assessed using ecological data collection techniques involving random quadrat method. A questionnaire was used to assess the socio-economic activities as well as livelihood options among the local communities. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics tests. The analysis was aimed at investigating the ecology and livelihoods of the local community in Ombeyi Wetland.