Factors influencing Capacity of Beach Management Units in Implementing Fisheries Co-Management in Lake Turkana, Kenya

Abstract

Lake Turkanafishery consists of 12 commerciallyexploited species andisthe second largest producer of freshwater fish in Kenya.Itsupportslivelihoods of approx.300,000 people locally.The lake is managed by beachmanagement units (BMU) through a co-management arrangementbetweenthegovernment and stakeholders.Despite this, itfacesmanagement relatedchallengesthathaveresultedinplummeting fish production due touncontrolled fishing effort,increased competition among fishermenanddeficientstatisticsto supportmanagement objectives.This studyassessed thecapacity of BMUs in implementing fisheries co-managementpolicybydescribingfunding sourcesand usage,trainingand skills development,equipmentownershipandlevelof understanding of BMU laws andregulations.A cross-sectionalstudy wasadoptedand purposive samplingused to collect datafrom 693 respondentsusing questionnaires.Chi squarewasused to test forsignificanceofassociationsbetween variablesat95%significant levelusingMINITAB statisticalsoftware.Results showed thatresource mobilization was statistically significant (x2=154.098, df=21,p<0.001)withdonors(45%) contributingmostfundscompared to nationalgovernment (21%), county government (19%) and well wishers (15%).Mainrevenue sources were membership registration (41%)and daily landing fees(25%).Revenue was used to purchase fishing gears (47%), supported welfareactivities(18%)whilesignificant portion (35%) was sharedbymembers.Members’ training was statistically significant (x2=79.510, df=14,p<0.001)but only 35%wereeffectively trained while 65%hadcontrary opinion.Memberswere trainedon fish handling (49%), BMU laws (28%)and micro-credit (23%) but keytraining gapsincludeddata collection, conflicts 30Ogoma et al., (2019)Egerton J. Sci. & Technol. Volume 17:29-49ISSN No. 2073-8277resolution and sea surveillance/patrols.BMUs ownedequipment;however,87%werepoorly servicedwhileotherswerenotavailable.BMUperformance could be improved mainly by providing financial support(27%), capacity building (19%) and securityto fishermen (17%).This studyidentifiedcritical capacityfactors influencingBMUoperations.Thefactorsshould be enhancedbyvarious stakeholders tosupportBMU performanceandpromotecollaborative management of fisheries resources in LakeTurkana.