ASSESSMENT OF FISHERIES RESOURCE-USE CONFLICTS IN THE ARTISANAL FISHERIES OF THE VIPINGO-MIDA CREEK STRETCH, NORTH COAST KENYA

Abstract

The study was conducted along the Vipingo-Mida Creek stretch of the Kenya coast. The study assessed the exiting fisheries resource-use conflicts among and between artisanal fishers and other stakeholders, and the adopted conflict resolution mechanisms employed. Field data were collected using survey research design from a sample of 197 artisanal fishers aged between 19 and 76 years. The most common fishing gear were identified as; gill net (n=61), hand line (n=39), spear gun (n=36), while ring net and the fishing basket were less common (n=8 and n=7 respectively). Irrespective of the gear used, fishers earned an average monthly income of Kshs. 15,312 ±1,664; Mnarani fishers earned the highest monthly income (Kshs. 15,988 ±1,664), Uyombo (Kshs. 15,292 ±1,478), while Kuruwitu fishers earned the least (Kshs. 14,807 ±1478). Results of non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test indicated no heterogeneity in income of fishers among the study sites [H (2, N=194) = 2.014; p=0.3650].The study found out that 95% of these fishers, irrespective of the gear used and the fishing ground visited, experienced resource-use conflicts, and there was no heterogeneity across the study sites (χ 2=0.629; df=2; p=0.730). The leading causes of conflicts between artisanal fishers were identified as: theft of fish from others’ gear (34%); using other fishers’ gear without consent (20%), non-payment for fish sold (14%), and competition for fishing grounds (10%). Chi-square test results indicated heterogeneity in causes of conflict among the study sites (χ 2=38571; df=12; p<0.05. Further, both traditional and modern conflict resolution mechanisms are in use, but are not effective in eradicating fisheries resource-use conflicts in the Vipingo-Mida stretch along the Kenya coast. The most effective conflict resolution mechanism is a framework embedded in the fisheries regulation, as this was reported to be equally effective across the three study sites. The study recommends zoning of fishing grounds, and education and capacity building of the fishers as means of enhancing harmony and co-existence of all users for sustainable fisheries. For this to be effectively vi done, the study further recommends studies to be done to determine the types of fishing gears and the habitats that they can be deployed without causing any gear-based fisheries resourceuse conflict. Key words: artisanal fishers, fisheries resource, fisheries resource-use conflicts, conflict resolution mechanisms, effectiveness