ABSTRACT
Wetlands are natural and human-made infrastructures that receive, transport, clean, store, and deliver water to a wide range of users for domestic needs, agriculture, biodiversity, industry, and other economic production, as well as maintenance of social and cultural integrity. ey provide important hydrological functions such as groundwater recharge, water quality improvement, and ood alleviation. However, these ecosystems are under environmental siege due to unsustainable use of resources [3]. With the rapid increase in human population, the pressures on natural resources have become intense, and hence, most wetlands are lost [7]. Recurrent food shortages, water scarcity, and general drought-induced desiccation have forced many societies, both urban and rural, to focus on wetland ecosystems as providers of food and water and as extremely valued natural resources [17]. erefore, they may be considered to now form an integral part of urban livelihood. However, this may lead to degradation of these resources; hence, there is a need for exploitation systems that can be sustained over a long time period. ere is need for wise use of these ecosystems for the benet of humankind.
