Assessment Of Anthropogenic Activities And Their Potential Impacts On Flora And Fauna In Bahi Wetlands, Dodoma

ABSTRACT

A study was carried out in Bahi wetlands covering Bahi and part of Manyoni Districts to assess the anthropogenic activities that have potential impacts on flora and fauna. The study was carried out in selected four villages of Bahi District, namely, (1) Nagulo Bahi, (2) Bahi sokoni, (3) Uhelela, and (4) Mkakatika, and Igose for Manyoni District. The study was carried out based on the specific objectives: (1) to identify anthropogenic activities and their potential impacts on flora and fauna in Bahi wetlands, (2) to assess the ecosystem goods and services of Bahi wetlands, and (3) to identify and analyze institutional framework governing the management of Bahi wetlands. Data were analyzed for simple descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Science Studies [SPSS] version 20 and Microsoft excel 2010 software. Findings revealed that main anthropogenic activities that have impacts on biological diversity in Bahi wetlands including flora and fauna species to include improper agricultural practices (23.5%; N = 268), overgrazing (20.5%; N = 268) and overfishing (18.7%; N = 268). Other anthropogenic activities that threaten flora and fauna diversity include deforestation (12.3%: N = 268), and unsustainable charcoal production (11.2%; N = 268). Important ecosystem goods and services provided by Bahi wetlands fall include provisioning services (food, water, grazing pasture, fish and thatch grasses); supporting services including habitat for fauna; and regulating services such as flood control. These imply that the Bahi wetland resource has potential benefits to residents of Bahi District.