LAKE VICTORIA BASIN

DungaWetlands, Kenya

Dunga Swamp is a small area of wetlands located at the tip of Kisumu Bay. The Swamp is in Kolwa, Kisumu District, Winam Division in Kisumu Municipality. The Swamp covers approximately 1,000 ha stretching southward from Nanga and Kibuye Point along the Lake’s shoreline up to Nyamware. Dunga Swamp is a lacustrine wetland situated in the delta/estuary of Nyamasaria, Odesso, Wigwa and Luanda river systems (Lake Victoria Basin Commission 2007). Dunga Swamp is dominated by papyrus. It is an important habitat for birds, including the papyrus gonolek. It is also an important fish breeding area. Other important animal species found in the Swamp include sitatunga, hippos, crocodiles and impalas.

Major economic activities around the Swamp include fishing, harvesting papyrus, handicraft production, wetland agriculture and ecotourism. Major threats facing the Dunga Wetlands include encroachment by human settlements, reclamation for crop production, uncontrolled burning and sewage pollution from the town of Kisumu. The wetlands are managed by the Dunga Ecotourism and Environmental Team, a community-based organization. The group promotes ecotourism and ensures the sustainable use of the Wetland resources.

Burning is common in wetlands

Sitatunga (swamp antelope)

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