A recent study, co-authored by Dr Mandla Dlamini, researcher from the Unit of Environmental Management and Sciences (UESM) at the North-West University (NWU), emphasises that floodplain wetland management and disaster risk reduction efforts are unlikely to succeed without the active participation of affected communities.
The research found that while conservation and flood-control frameworks exist in many regions, people living near wetlands often experience these policies differently from how they were intended.
The study, titled “Community perspectives and policy effectiveness: a study on floodplain wetland management and its socio-economic implications”, analysed how wetland management policies are understood at the community level and how they affect access to land, water, and natural resources.
The findings revealed that wetland management policies, though primarily designed to conserve ecosystems and mitigate flood risks, often result in unintended socio-economic pressures. In several cases, restrictions on farming, grazing, and harvesting natural resources affected household income and food security, particularly in communities that depend on wetlands for daily survival.
Dr Dlamini said the findings show that policy success cannot be measured solely by environmental outcomes.
“Wetland management policies are often designed with strong conservation intentions, but our research shows that their effectiveness depends on how well they respond to the realities of the communities who live within these ecosystems every day,” said Dr Dlamini. “When local voices are not included in planning and implementation, policies may protect the environment but still create social and economic challenges.”
Tapping into community knowledge
The study also found that community members are not always involved in decision-making processes, even though they are directly affected by regulations. This lack of participation can lead to resistance, misunderstanding, or non-compliance, making it harder for authorities to achieve long-term sustainable environmental goals.
According to the researchers, community knowledge can help improve wetland management because residents often understand seasonal flooding patterns, land use pressures, and local risks better than external planners. Including these perspectives can help design policies that protect ecosystems while allowing sustainable livelihoods.
Dr Dlamini said participatory approaches are important for building trust between institutions and communities.
“Inclusive governance is essential for balancing ecological protection with human needs. When communities are part of the process, policies are more likely to be accepted and more likely to work in practice,” he said.
The study links wetland management to broader development priorities – including climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and poverty alleviation – while advancing key Sustainable Development Goals such as SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), and SDG 1 (No Poverty).
Floodplain wetlands play a role in controlling water flow and reducing flood damage, but the researchers argue that long-term resilience depends on policies that consider both environmental and socio-economic realities.
In conclusion, the authors argue that sustainable wetland management requires cooperation between policymakers, scientists, and communities, with greater emphasis on participation, local knowledge, and shared responsibility.
Dr Mandla Dlamini
