Wetland importance and dependence among households around the Ogun river basin, Nigeria

Wetland is particularly important in developing countries for economic purposes. Yet they are often seen as wastelands by those whose livelihoods are not directly dependent on them. Livelihood activities and the monetary value of such support, as well as factors influencing dependence on wetlands, are largely missing in the literature. This study examines livelihood activities, wetland dependence and its determinants among wetland households. Primary data were collected from households using a two-stage random sampling procedure. Both descriptive and quantitative methods were employed for data analysis. The results show that primary occupation in wetland communities was mostly (86.8%) farming with an annual income of ₦246,684.40 (($1541.78@ $1 = ₦160.00). Support for dry season production (57.8%), year-round water supply (48.3%) and water storage and flood control (44.7%) were the most important benefits of wetlands to households. Tobit regression analysis revealed the determinants of wetland dependence with coefficients including gender (13.63), marital status (3.70) and native status (2.06). This study concludes that wetland supports dry season farming and is heavily depended upon for income by households in wetland communities. However, married men and natives depended relatively more on wetlands for income and livelihood. There is therefore a need to intensify awareness and advocacy for wetland protection among males, the married and natives. This, among other things, will help to reduce dependence on wetlands and thus take pressure off them.