Human–Environment Relations and Livelihood Transformations: A Sociological Exploration of Wetland Impact around Raghagan Dam in District Bajaur

Abstract

Wetland ecosystems support almost all commercial activities and have been extremely connected with past human civilizations. The main aim of this research was to explore the socioeconomic dependence of local communities on Raghagan dam located in district Bajaur. To achieve this objective quantitative research methodology was employed using structured interview schedule as tool, data from randomly selected representative sample of 316 respondents was obtained. Data was collected from household heads in each direction of the dam and data from 79 houses from each direction was collected. The data clearly indicates that all socio-economic activities of the respondents are significantly linked with wetland ecosystem. For domestic and commercial purposes reliance on activities associated with wetland system are common. Similarly, wetland system is also beneficial for agriculture and pastoral activities. It is recommended that income of farming communities can be increased by adopting the diversity in crops.

Keywords- Raghagan Dam, Wetland Ecosystems, Socio-economic Dependence, Wetland, Livelihood Practices and Ecological Regions