Challenges in conserving native plant species and animals in unprotected wetlands of Rwanda: Case study of Munyazi wetland in Huye district

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating major challenges in conserving native plant species and animals in unprotected wetlands of Rwanda by focusing on Munyazi wetland located in Huye District of the Southern Province. Data were obtained using different methods and techniques including literature review on wetlands’ management in Rwanda and across the globe, field observation within and outside Munyazi wetland, household questionnaire survey among local farmers and semi-structured interviews with local authorities. For household questionnaire survey, closed ended questions were administered to 100 people who use Munyazi Wetland for different purposes including agricultural activities and grazing. Concerning semi-structured interviews, only four (4) local authorities in charge of environment and/or agriculture were interviewed. Research findings revealed that conservation of native species in Munyazi wetland is obstructed by the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, habitat loss, ineffective management of rain water, poor farming practices around the wetland as well as limited public awareness on biodiversity conservation among local farmers. In addition, the study showed that the main threatened native plants are Cyperus latifolius, Cyperus digitatus, Typha angustifolia and Acanthus pubescens reported by 57%, 47%, 19%, and 11% of the respondents respectively; whereas threatened animals include cranes, ibis, fish, lizards, and snakes, reported by 67%, 43%, 26%, 23% and 10% of respondents respectively. The study also revealed that the extirpated native plants are Cyperus articulatus reported by 43%, Cyperus papyrus (36%) and Fragmites mauritianus (19%) while extirpated animals comprise birds such as egret (69%) and partridge (10%) as well as mammals such as hyena (61%) and gazelle (10%). To reverse this trend in terms of biodiversity loss in unprotected wetlands in general, and in Munyazi wetland in particular, key sustainable strategies need to be applied. These include the promotion of biodiversity education and eco-agriculture among local farmers; appropriate coordination of all actors for an effective participation in the conservation of unprotected wetlands; law enforcement towards the wise use of unprotected wetlands, among others.