Perspective Chapter: The Impact of Human Activities on Wetlands’ Provisioning and Cultural Services in Epworth, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study assessed the impacts of human activities on wetlands’ provisioning and cultural services in Epworth’s Ward 6 (Overspill), Zimbabwe. The researcher adopted a case study approach which implemented both the qualitative and quantitative approach. Semistructured interviews, questionnaires and field observations were conducted to gather primary data that was synthesised with collected secondary data. Data obtained from the field was analysed through Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) software version 20.0 and Microsoft excel. Findings show that the majority of households (31.6%) were motivated to utilise wetlands due to the availability of market for agricultural products. Wetland use was influenced by population increase, availability of rainfall and donor funding for sustainable food security projects. The dominant wetland use is agriculture as indicated by 35.1% of respondents. Essential services of the wetland include supply of water for agriculture (26.3%), livestock grazing, spiritual enrichment, cultural heritage, ecotourism etc. Agriculture, urbanisation, dumping of waste and livestock grazing negatively impacted the wetland. The study advocates for support of environmental conservation initiatives from key stakeholders. It also recommends that relevant authorities come up with an integrated land use planning approach that will go a long way in addressing issues of land degradation and fragmentation.