Factors influencing substance abuse among fisher folk projects in Homa-bay county in Mbita constituency, Kenya

Abstract

The increasing rural poverty has motivated the fisher folk community to develop coping strategies to mitigate the accompanied risks and challenges. One such strategy is establishment of fisher folk projects. However, though an economic and survival strategy, it has associated challenges such as substance abuse among the projects‟ stakeholders. Although there exists a certain body of knowledge regarding substance abuse among different communities, studies on how substance abuse influences community projects are limited. This study is aimed to establish factors influencing substance abuse among fisher folk projects in Homa-Bay County in Mbita Constituency. To accomplish this, the study focused on four objectives; to examine the influence of prevalence of alcohol and drugs on substance abuse among the fisher folk projects, to assess the influence of legal framework on substance abuse among the fisher folk projects, to establish the influence of level of awareness of substance abuse among community members on substance abuse among the fisher folk projects and to analyze the influence of socio-economic status on substance abuse among the fisher folk projects. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The total target population was 1,604 stakeholders of fisher folk projects in Mbita Constituency. The population was stratified into 4 categories along which projects were formed. A sample size of 310 projects‟ stakeholders was selected from the target population. Data was collected through administration of questionnaires and Schedule interviews. The collected data then was processed and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Summaries of findings revealed that drugs are easily available 68.8% to the fisher folk and had resulted to them abusing substance on a daily basis, most commonly abused drugs being alcohol 62.3% and marijuana 28.1% respectively; Beach leader 23.6% is leading the authority in the beach responsible for disciplinary actions against those abusing substance. Majority 62.3% and 64% of the fisher folk were not aware of Alcoholic Drinks Act, 2010 and NACADA Authority respectively, as well as its roles. It was so evident that fisher folk community is aware of the availability of substance abused 87% and their supplies which are majorly bars/ pubs and specific dealers as well as the effects of substance abuse on project stakeholders. Finally, the study revealed that the main economic activity in the beaches is fishing 87% and majority 45% of the fisher folk have low income, conversely a majority 43.6% spend between Ksh.1000-5000 on substance abuse on a monthly basis. As such, the study recommended among other measures; reduction of prevalence of drugs/alcohol, improved legal framework, increased creation of awareness raising activities and finally need to improve the economic status of the fisher folk community to reduce the over reliance of one major economic activity