Assessing Wetland Ecosystem Services and Rural Livelihoods in Hajo Revenue Circle, Assam, India

Abstract

Kamrup District, Assam, contains numerous floodplain wetlands, locally known as beels, which occur under varied environmental conditions and support rural livelihoods. This study evaluates the role of wetlands in supporting rural livelihoods in Hajo Revenue Circle. Four wetlands, namely Gaurjan, Digholi, Nitai and Barbeel, were examined in relation to their provisioning, regulating, supporting and cultural ecosystem services. A total of 28 villages surrounding these wetlands were surveyed, and 660 households were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through household surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, field observations and secondary sources, and were analysed using SPSS. The Rapid Assessment of Wetland Ecosystem Services (RAWES) approach was used to identify the ecosystem services provided by the selected wetlands. The findings show that the wetlands provide 26 ecosystem services for rural communities. Provisioning services are especially important, as local people use fish and aquatic plants such as singori, kolmou and makhana for food, medicine, fodder and income generation. Fish species such as magur, singi, puthi, rou, bhokuwa and sol support both subsistence and commercial activities. Among the surveyed villages, Bargaon recorded the highest engagement in commercial fishing, with 29 persons, while Sanpara Parbat recorded the highest engagement in fishing for household consumption, with 28 persons. Nitai Beel recorded the highest daily fish yield at 480 kg, whereas Digholi Beel recorded the lowest at 288 kg/day. The wetlands also provide regulating services, including micro-climate regulation, flood control, air purification and water-flow regulation, along with cultural and supporting services that benefit local communities. The study indicates that increasing anthropogenic pressure and ecological change require locally grounded, sustainable wetland management and conservation measures.