Contribution of provisioning services of the Ga-Mampa wetland, South Africa, to local livelihoods

This paper assessed the contribution of the provisioning services provided by the Ga-Mampa wetland (1km2) to the livelihoods of local stakeholders, including monetary values for some services. The paper used a mix of data collection approaches that included questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, field observation and measurements and collection of market prices. The results show that the contribution of the wetland to the livelihoods of local community estimated at an annual gross financial value of $228 per household, of which cash income of $35 per household, represents about 15% of the average household income of 1,584 US$/y (2006). Crop production contributed the highest gross value, while sedge collection yielded the highest cash income. Overall, an annual gross value of $900/ha is provided by the Ga-Mampa wetland provisioning services. In addition, the wetland services are essential for household subsistence and the sustenance of social and cultural responsibilities by providing resources for gift giving to neighbours and relatives. Due to the lack of alternative income sources, the declining income from sedge and reed harvesting caused by degradation of the wetland poses considerable economic hardship. Recommendations are given how integrated assessment of al ecosystem services, and identification of involved stakeholders, can help to develop sustainable management strategies to deal with the environmental and socio-economic changes in the area