| dc.description.abstract | This thesis explores the socio-economic impacts of the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area (KMMPA) on artisanal fishers in Kwale County, Kenya, providing a critical analysis of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) effects beyond ecological conservation. Using qualitative methods within a political ecology and participatory development theoretical framework, this study investigates the livelihood challenges, perceptions, and coping strategies of artisanal fishers impacted by KMMPA. It highlights the complex interactions between marine conservation efforts and local socio-economic conditions, emphasizing the unintended consequences of conservation policies on these communities. The findings reveal that while KMMPA aims to protect marine biodiversity, it also imposes significant socio-economic hardships on artisanal fishers, such as restricted access to traditional fishing grounds, diminished fish stocks, escalated conflicts with conservation authorities, and limited alternative livelihood opportunities, leading to socio-economic decline and cultural disruption. These challenges are compounded by the inadequate participation of local communities in MPA governance, leading to disenfranchisement and resistance to conservation efforts. The study underscores the need for an integrated conservation approach that balances ecological objectives with the socio-economic needs of local communities, informed by a critical understanding of the power dynamics and governance structures that influence resource management. To address these issues, the thesis proposes several actionable policy recommendations. These include enhancing community engagement in MPA management, establishing compensation mechanisms for fishers adversely affected by access restrictions, and promoting alternative livelihood projects that leverage the skills and resources of the community. By integrating the needs and practices of local communities with conservation efforts, KMMPA can achieve a sustainable balance between biodiversity conservation and the socio-economic consideration of artisanal fishers, ensuring that MPAs effectively serve both ecological and human communities. | |
