Assessment of the Wetland Ecosystem Services Status and Their Uses in the Barotse Flood Plains of Zambezi Sub Basin, Zambia

The Zambezi River Basin system and wetlands in particular, have a high ecosystem services and economic value to large number to people the study aim was to assess the status of ecosystem services and their benefits in the wetlands of Barotse Flood plains (BFP). The study utilized both secondary and primary data sources. Primary data was collected using interview schedule, key informant’s interviews, Participatory rural appraisal and field observations. Simple random sampling was used to select proportional respondents from 9 district that are found study area. The wetland ecosystem services that were identified in BFP are: Provisioning which include water, fish, wild game, fruits, edible plants, reeds, sedge, pasture, thatching grass, sand and clay soil, and medicinal plants. Regulation; climate regulation (temperature and precipitation), ground water discharge and river flow regulation. Cultural; traditional ceremonies, sacred places and recreation. Support services; soil formation, alluvial and organic matter. The study found that the ecosystem services were affected by socio-ecological factors in the BFP that led to declining of ecosystem services in general. The Pearson coefficient correlation showed that there is a significant relationship of 0.930** at 0.01 level between socio-ecological factors and declined ecosystem services in BFP. The study recommended strategies such as the government, local leadership and other stakeholders to embark on protection and conservation of BFP since it is a recognized and designated Ramsar heritage site. Government also to embark on formulating new policies on ecosystem services management in the wetlands and to fully implement the already existing policies.