ABSTRACT
IK is now recognized as an important, organized body of knowledge, providing an important basis for natural resource management in the developing world. Evidence collected from various studies around the world suggests that IK, which has evolved over many generations and which has adapted to local cultures and environments, forms the basis of many natural resource management strategies which have also been sustainable for many years. One of the main aims of this research was to identify the characteristics and mechanisms of the indigenous wetland knowledge held by local communities in Illubabor zone, with a view to establishing its contribution to sustainable hydrological management practices.
