| dc.description.abstract | This study investigated gender relationships in the mangrove ecosystem of Msambweni Division, Kwale
District, on the Kenyan south coast. The general objective was to document the articulation of gender issues in the
exploitation and management of the mangrove biodiversity. More specifically, the study focussed on the culturally
ascribed gender roles in the utilization of the mangroves and marine resources. It also aimed at determining the
economic,cultural and health constraints that women and men face in the exploitation and management of the natural
resource systems in Msambweni Division. The study similarly set out to establish alternative sources of food and
incomeas viable means of reducing pressure on the mangrove habitat.
The entitlement conceptual framework informed the study. Four villages in Msambweni Division; namely,
Gasi, Bodo, Bomani and Shirazi were purposively selected for the research. A sample of one hundred informants
consisting of fifty females and fifty males were randomly selected. An interview guide with both open- and closedended
questions, key informants, and focused group discussions were the major methods used to provide the data
described in this Thesis. Additional information was gathered through conversational interviews, observations, life
historiesand participant observation and; finally, the data were analyzed using qualitative techniques.
The research findings indicate that there are culturally prescribed gender roles in the mangrove ecosystem of
Kwale District although these roles are not exclusively gendered. Similarly, both women and men face similar
economicand health constraints. However, men are more vulnerable to greater health risks while women on their part
are further constrained by Islam as a religion as well as being an institutionalised way of life. The local people
acknowledge that their most valuable natural resources, which include mangroves and the sea, have been degraded.
They, however, lack confidence in the current management system of the mangrove biodiversity. This is simply
because they are not duly recognized as environmental experts without whose input the mangrove resource base will
still be threatened. The study also revealed that improved infrastructure and economic empowerment of both women
and men as well as enhanced institutional capabilities will probably lead to a sustainable use of the mangrove swamps
in Msambweni Division.
It is recommended here that men, women and the youth be informed of the importance of group work.
Feasible income-producing activities and social welfare projects be initiated to improve on the material life of the local
people. There should be increased mangrove and marine conservation awareness campaigns. It might probably be
helpful to involve the village committees and fishermen groups in the management 0 the mangrove and marine
resources, respectively. Stakeholders should have an integrated approach towards the conservation of the mangrove
ecosystem. Finally, scientific research should be carried out on the mangrove and marine resources | en |
