Conflicts in the management and conservation of the mangrove ecosystem of Kwale district, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the nature and sources of conflicts between the parties interested in the exploitation, management and conservation of the mangrove ecosystem. The study also strives to identify the strategies of resolving the conflicts that characterize mangrove management. The study vas carried out between early February and March 1999 in Kwale District, Kenya. To achieve these aims, the methodology employed used both primary and secondary sources of information in data collection. Secondary data were obtained from library research while primary data was collected from selected respondents through survey interviews, informal interviews, life histories and focus group discussions. Because of the nature of the data we collected, both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used in the data analysis. The research findings reveal that although the local people understand their environment (mangrove ecosystem) very well, they do not participate as true partners in designing, planning and managing conservation programmes. The findings also indicate that many people are unable to exploit the mangroves or go fishing due to expensive licenses, poor transport, low business, long procedures in acquiring licenses and/or permits and lack of capital and credit facilities. It is generally observed that there is poor information flow to and from the local populations and that there is lack of coordination between the management organizations. The conflicting roles between the resource users themselves and between resource users and protectors can be discerned. Furthermore, the roles of the management organizations also conflict. This study, therefore, recommends that the authorities concerned should sensitize those interested in the mangrove ecosystem" on the need to ensure that the local people participate as true partners in designing, managing and in conservation programmes and propose ways of resolving the prevailing conflicts. The study also suggests ways of fostering community understanding, as this is on way of making participation and management easier. Finally, the study calls for more social science research on the mangrove ecosystem, as most works have been done by natural scientists who are interested in the biological structure and ecological factors of mangroves rather than the socio-economic perceptions of those living close to the ecosystem. It is recommended that researchers should also focus on the people living around the mangrove ecosystem rather than concentrating on the resources only.