Assessment of Plant Commnunity Structure in a Tropical Wetland Affected by Brick Making—The Case of Sironga Wetland, Kenya

Abstract

Brick making is one of the major small-scale industries in Sironga which has been expanding due to the growing demand for urban expansion. Due to the increasing population pressure, brick-making is competing for the wetland resources. Sironga wetland is threatened with serious degradation and probable loss of plant diversity. Conversion of this wetland for economic uses such as brick making has resulted in its loss. The objective of the study was to assess the effects of brick making on plant diversity in Sironga wetland. Nyamira County, Kenya. A one metre by one metre quadrat frame was laid down and perpendicularly recorded the percent cover for each species found inside the quadrant plus the percentage area covered by the bare ground litter. From each transect lines “diagonally” detailed vegetation under study was then done. The plant species were recorded and classified into three life-forms; herbs, sedges and grasses. The study revealed that grasses had the highest diversity H = 1.144. Diversity for herbs was H = 0.987 and H = 0.899 for reeds respectively. The study concluded that brick-making activities affected the plant diversity in Sironga wetland. This may be attributed partly to the limited information and awareness campaigns to the surrounding communities on the values and benefits of wetland ecosystem services and the lack of alternative livelihood sources. The study recommends that alternative livelihoods are provided and awareness campaigns on the values and benefits of wetlands to the residents are done by the relevant agencies.