TRADITIONAL FARMING OF WETLAND GRASSES BY LOCAL COMMUNITY IN ITU WETLANDS, NIGERIA: Role of Traditional Knowldege in climate Change Adaptation By: Edem A. Eniang1 , Nyimale G. Alawa2 , Inemesit E. Eniang3
ABSTRACT
We studied the role of traditional knowledge in climate change adaptation practices of host communities around Itu wetlands, Nigeria towards empowering the local population to achieve in-situ biodiversity conservation, livelihoods enhancement and food security in the 500 Km 2 freshwater wetland ecosystems from July. 2020 to June 2022. This project which was part a of Crocodiles and Tortoises conservation initiative of Biodiversity Preservation Center (BPC) sponsored by Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) Nigeria implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) employed a combination of methods (Contact/Farm Visits with GIS tools, Focal Group Discussions, Community square meetings, use of questionnaires, practical training and broad-sweep surveys of aquatic vegetation for inherent wildlife biodiversity intensively for 15 months and taking notes of threats facing such species. Our results show that . 48% of these wetlands are made up of floating aquatic vegetation dominated primarily by Vossia cuspidata. Other species; nymphia lotus, water lily, etc form the mass of aquatic plants that covers the Eniong river channel itself and its various tributaries and creek lets. Within the area, you will find 30 core villages dotted on its fringes and 5 traditional communities who have traditionally grown aquatic grasses and depended on the ecosystem for their livelihoods from time immemorial until climate change brought about an influx of 105 groups of migrant cattle herders with no less than 4800 heads of cattle to occupy the wetlands during the dry season moths of December to April. Furthermore the study period witnessed 3 community crises leading to internal displacement of the indigenous people from their home land, destruction of over 14 hectares of floating aquatic vegetation grown by traditional community people, decimation of endangered and vulnerable wildlife (Avifauna, Crocodiles, Manatees, Snakes Terrapins, Tortoises, Turtles and fisheries) and near total decimation of upland/swamp forest vegetation. The use of multi-dimensional socio-cultural interventions combined with massive grassroots conservation education and adoption of modern cattle ranching, and upgrading of Itu wetlands to a Protected Area status will enhance the ecosystem resilience and favour adaptation, enhance livelihoods while safeguarding the myriads of species in the wetland.
- Dept of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Nigeria and Biodiversity Preservation Center (BPC), Ahafa Idoro, Off Idoro Road, Uyo, Nigeria
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers state
- Dept. of Forestry and Environment, Michael Opara, University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia state, Nigeria.
