Assessment of the sustainable utilization and management of papyrus (cyperus papyrus ) in Dunga wetland,Kisumu municipality, Kenya

Abstract

Papyrus, a natural wetland product is an important resource for man's livelihood, and ecosystem functions. Its value in the past was not fully recognized, thus degraded. Its loss and degradation leads to loss of local livelihoods and ecosystem services. Unplanned land use in towns around papyrus ecosystem has compromised papyrus stability and functioning. Its exploitation in Dunga has been so intensified and threatened towards extinction. There is need to use papyrus wisely for environmental services and alleviation of poverty. Under the present conditions conservation of papyrus does not seem to succeed. However, during the last years significant initiatives from community, organizations and authorities have been promoted to change the situation. These current efforts seem neither enough nor totally effective to avoid papyrus depletion in urban areas. The study was conducted in the period of July - August 2007 area around Dunga wetland in Kisumu Municipality on the shores of Lake Victoria to establish utilization and management of papyrus. The objectives of the study included, to: investigate the socio-economic characteristics of Dunga Human Population; determine the state of utilization and harvesting challenges of papyrus in Dunga wetland; examine factors contributing to unsustainable utilization and management of papyrus; and generate a management model of papyrus in Dunga wetland. The study area population is about 45,375 in 13,956 households. A total random sample of 337 households engaged in papyrus harvesting, management and crafts along the edge of the wetland were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Additional key informants interviews, focused group discussions, field surveys, photography and review of existing literature was conducted to collect data on papyrus use and its management systems. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results showed that demographics, poverty situation and social vulnerability factors led to uncontrolled use of papyrus. Utilization of papyrus was in two ways in Dunga; either commercial or non-commercial. About 81.3 % of respondents produce papyrus mats intensively for markets. Papyrus use is considered family occupation for alternative source of income and domestic use. Papyrus is abundantly used to make herbal medicine, construct houses, make fences, brooms as well as used as fuel wood among non-commercial uses. There is increasing rate of using papyrus to make value added items to fetch more incomes. The harvesting of papyrus is done randomly, a reason for great depletion of papyrus stocks in the wetland. The main challenges of harvesting papyrus include risks of drowning, insect bites and scares from animals as well as conflicts among papyrus harvesters, fishermen and livestock herders. The economic, social, settlement patterns and population growth factors have both direct and indirect impact on utilization of papyrus. Unsustainable management of papyrus is contributed by institutional factors such as weak urban planning, property rights VI and land tenure, lack of conservation education and public awareness programmes, collapsed traditional conservation strategies, low community participation and legal and institutional framework. Sustainable development options have been recommended to improve papyrus use for improved livelihoods and sustainability. Papyrus can be utilized sustainably if trainings, diversification of income sources and value addition techniques are employed. Other options may include environmental planning and development of indirect uses of papyrus swamps such as recreation and eco-tourism, set aside for research, educational sites and agro forestry. Integrated scientific and indigenous knowledge systems can improve skills for wise use of papyrus. Local participation in papyrus management is of critical importance. Women, children and youth roles should be identified and strengthened. Established legal and institutional framework on papyrus in Kenya can protect papyrus swamps.