Abstract:
One of the critical concerns faced by African cities in the modern epoch are
disappearing urban wetlands because of the construction of infrastructure.
This is predominantly the case in cities that are expanding their urban areas
at a rapid rate. Wetlands are currently being studied for their potential role in
the food mitigation process, in addition to supporting urban sustainability in
terms of water quality and availability. It is undisputable that the protection of
Harare’s urban wetlands is an investment that is well worth making. The main
objective of this study i s t o analyse views, attitudes and perceptions of residents
and relevant authorities towards wetlands in the Harare Metropolitan
Province. This is to promote the wise use of wetlands for sustainable
development. Human activities and poor policy implementation are the causes
of wetland depletion. The study targeted the Harare Wetlands Trust, Monavale
and Cleveland management, residents living on or near the wetland areas and
representatives from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA). The
study deployed a qualitative research approach and utilised the face-to-face
Interview guide, semi-structured questionnaires and field observations for data
collection and was guided by the wise use and ecological restoration concepts.
Results highlighted that there is an existing policy on wetlands, most
stakeholders are aware of wetlands and their benefits and are of the view that
they should be conserved. Although they are viewed as important ecosystems,
they are utilised in unsustainable manners. Human activities have been
persuaded by economic challenges, a lack of policy implementation, lack of
awareness programmes and education. There is need to change perceptions
and attitudes towards wetlands. The study concluded that wetlands are an
important part of the ecosystem, and they offer a crucial role, especially to the
hydrological system of the city. The study recommended that the
Environmental Management Act needs to be revised in line with on-going
developmental activities, gazetting of existing wetlands to identify those under threat, reclaim or restore lost or degraded wetlands for sustainable
development to be attained.
Description:
The journal is a forum for the discussion of ideas, scholarly opinions and
case studies of community outreach and engagement. Communities are
both defined in terms of people found in a given locale and defined cohorts,
like the children, the youth, the elderly and those living with a disability.
The strongest view is that getting to know each community or
subcommunity is a function of their deliberate participation in matters
affecting them by the community itself. The journal is produced bi-annually.
