The role of wetland resources on community livelihoods was examined in Katumbasongwe and
Mpunguti villages in Songwe River Basin (SRB), Tanzania. The study focused on wetland resource
utilization patterns and its significance in supporting rural livelihoods. Various methods were used to
complement each other in addressing the study, namely structured questionnaires, participatory
methods and remote sensing techniques. The study shows that 81.7 and 85.6% of the sample
population in Katumbasongwe and Mpunguti village respectively depended largely on wetland
resources for their livelihoods. These include rice production, livestock keeping, fishing and harvesting
of macrophytes for weaving. Wetland resource utilisation patterns have been towards expansion of rice
production and settlement at the expense of other land cover types. This has been driven largely by
high market demand for rice and increased population. The study observed that the nature and extent
of wetland resource utilization patterns vary considerably from one socio-economic group to another
depending on their flexibility and access to livelihood assets. Agricultural intensification and input
support to farmers is expected to increase agricultural productivity. However, such intervention should
take into consideration the socio-economic differentiation of the households. Moreover, proper land
use plan and management are crucial for enhanced sustainability of wetland resources and other
potentials in supporting livelihoods.