Urban Development and Sustainable Livelihoods of Communities Around Eleyele Wetland in Ibadan Nigeria

Abstract

Wetlands provide numerous ecosystem services supporting livelihoods of people around the world. However, in spite of these benefits, wetlands are continuously being degraded through over exploitation, poor management and other unsustainable uses. A major challenge on wetland development in Nigeria is how to raise awareness of, and provide guidance on, the importance of wetlands as providers of benefits to urban populations. This study assessed urban development and sustainable livelihoods of communities around Eleyele wetland in Ibadan, Oyo State. 240 respondents in three major communities around the wetland including Ijokodo, Eleyele and Apete were selected for this study. Also, indepth interviews and Focus Group Discussions were conducted in each on the communities. Findings revealed that almost all households surveyed derive benefits from the wetland. However, a wide range of human activities mostly resulting from urban encroachment have affected the wetland and caused their degradation hence negatively impacting the services provided by the wetland. The study recommends provision of alternative livelihoods for people living around the wetland. There is need to strengthen the implementation of existing laws and policies on wetland use, management and protection in the state and in the country as a whole so as to reduce the existing pressures on wetland use.