| Wetlands in most parts of the world are under threat of over-exploitation partly because their socio-economic value is not well known. Yala Wetland, the largest freshwater wetland in Kenya, with a large part of it bordering Lake Victoria’s shoreline, faces even greater threats of extinction. This wetland measures about 17,500 ha and is host to a number of indigenous fish species, animals and plants which are exploited by the local communities for subsistence and commercial purposes.There has been pressure to reclaim portions of this wetland for agricultural activity. So far, 2,300 ha has, indeed, been drained for commercial agriculture. Furthermore, it is difficult to control effort in the exploitation of the remaining wetland resources since the... |
