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Wetlands
are critical natural resources in Kenya where they perform a range
of environmental functions and provide numerous socio-economic
benefits to local communities.
However, many wetlands throughout Kenya have come under
extreme pressure as government policies, socio-economic change and
population pressure have stimulated a need for more agriculturally
productive land.
It is estimated that in Kenya only about 10% of the original
wetland areas now remain.
As in other places, institutional arrangements for the
management of these fragile ecosystems have been inadequate.
However, recent enactment of National Environmental
Management Act (NEMA) in the country offers some promise for
improvements.
This paper reports on a questionnaire survey administered to
a sample of wetland users in Kisii District on the subject of
wetland protection and management.
The implication of the results of this survey in the context
of a strategy for wetland management in the district is discussed.
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