The economic and livelihood value of provisioning services of the Ga-Mampa wetland, South Africa

摘要: The size of the Ga-Mampa wetland (1 km2), in Olifants River catchment South Africa, was halved between 1996 and 2004. This jeopardizes ecological integrity influences benefits people obtain from wetland. study therefore analysed economic values provisioning services derived evaluated their contribution to livelihoods local stakeholders. Using a direct market valuation technique based on mix data collection approaches that include questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, field observation measurements prices, we estimated value main provided by (collection edible plants, crop production, livestock grazing, fishing, hunting, fuel-wood, reeds sedge collection). results show community, at an annual net financial $211 per household, far exceeds its cash income $35 household is about half average monthly all sources. Crop production contributes highest gross value, whereas yields income. Most materials harvested are used for subsistence rarely sold. In addition livelihood also essential sustain social cultural responsibilities gift giving neighbours relatives. concludes highly dependent ecosystem many ways but current use sustainability levels, which future livelihoods. We recommend stakeholders be supported identifying alternative sources while simultaneously developing sustainable management strategies small wetlands such as Ga-Mampa. addition, other (regulating, supporting cultural, including recreational benefits) downstream need further studied economically assessed.