Society & Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem resources and services are well documented to contribute directly to human well-being and providing the basis for many economic activities, such as crop and livestock agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Globally, nearly half of the human population is directly dependent on natural resources for its livelihood, and many of the most vulnerable people depend directly to fulfil their daily subsistence needs.

The human population in Eastern Africa is anticipated to double in the next 35 years (UN Population Division, 2107) and the current annual GDP growth rate is around 6 % (African Development Bank, 2018). Environmental resource demands of humans have already heavily impacted most of the Eastern African lakes, rivers and wetlands – hence, both the quality, as well as the quantity of freshwater ecosystem resources and services have become issues of major concerns for future livelihoods and development. Therefore, understanding the dynamic relationships between environmental and social phenomena becomes crucial for initiating transformation processes and achieving sustainable management solutions in the Anthropocene.