Agroecosystem Nexus in uMsunduzi Floodplains: A guide for supporting the transformation of community farming practices

Wetlands are important and productive ecosystems that are renowned for the ecological and socioeconomic services they provide. Specifically, wetlands play a critical role in maintaining the regional ecological balance, mitigating floods and droughts, providing habitats for diverse flora and fauna, and supporting human well-being through essential services , such as carbon sequestration and water purification. Wetlands tend to vary in terms of their types, size, and location. They include estuarine, riverine, lacustrine, palustrine and constructed wetlands. However, wetlands are constantly being degraded by human activities, so that some can no longer offer ecosystem services. Considering the importance of these ecosystems and their extensive degradation, numerous research efforts have been exerted towards understanding , identifying and addressing the factors that drive the change and degradation. However, fewer research efforts tend to be directed towards riverine or floodplain wetlands, especially in developing regions such as southern Africa.