The Influence of Stakeholders’ Capacity Building on Sustainable Management and Conservation of Wetland Ecosystems

Wetland ecosystems play a critical role in socio-economic wellbeing of the local communities and national economy as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation. Despite their roles and functions, wetlands are being degraded due to human activities and climate change impacts. The study investigated the influence of capacity building on sustainable management and conservation of wetland ecosystems. They employed a qualitative research design in which a survey was conducted among 84 members. The sampling sites were Mount elgon, Nyamira and Kisii. Structured questionnaires and interviews, Focus Group Discussions were issued to members randomly. Data collection was conducted in April-August 2024. Primary data was collected using interviews, direct observation, structured questionnaires and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs). All statistical data analyses were done using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), version 20.0. The results showed that 89.2% of the respondents confirmed that capacity building in wetland conservation and management of sustainable blue economy is key in attaining various strategies through training workshops, value addition, adoption of alternative livelihood strategies and general extension education and values of wetlands for sustainable blue economy. However, 53.95% of the respondents reported that capacity building initiatives were not very frequent in Tana River with a small proportion of the respondents (19%) were not aware of any capacity building programmes for conservation of wetlands. However, to promote capacity building in wetland management, 54.6% of the respondents stated that the process should be collectively spearheaded by various stakeholders including the local community, county government, national government and other non-governmental organizations. The study recommended that there is a need to develop more innovative mechanisms to enhance capacity building among all the key player in wetland management. These can be useful in developing strategies for enhancing stakeholder involvement in conservation our aquatic flora and fauna for sustainable blue economy.