Challenges Facing Blue Economy Resource Management In Africa, A Case Study Of Kenya

Abstract

It is important to acknowledge from the onset that Africa is the second largest continent and also the largest island in the World, which is approximately one-fifth of the total surface of the earth. The continent has many coastal states. In addition, trade has been very crucial for African states, which depend highly on both imports and exports mainly through the sea. Yet with all these resources and potential, Africa has not fully focused on leveraging these resources for its development and betterment of the livelihoods of its population, which is now approximately one billion people. The Blue economy is the sustainable use of oceanic resources for economic growth and prioritizing water resources. For this reason, this study examined the challenges facing Blue economy resource management Africa using a case study of Kenya. This research was hinged on the Co-management theory as proposed by Pomeroy and Berkes. This research utilized both primary and secondary data sources, from interview guides to library literature review. From the first objective, which was the current status of the Blue economy resource management in Africa, the study found that resources are poorly managed as most inhabitants still suffer from large-scale poverty. ―African continent presently sits at a crossroads of opportunity to re-evaluate its development pathway within the context of the Blue economy, taking into account socio-economic, political, and environmental considerations. ―The study also found out that the main challenges to the Blue Economy resource management in Kenya are lack of effective policy, threat of the climate change, lack of sufficient capacity and advanced technology, lack of sufficient capacity building, education and training, underdeveloped shipbuilding industry and lack of proper mechanisms to collect revenue from foreign vessels, unfavorable tariffs, rapid and uncontrolled urbanization, lack of sufficient information/data, shortage of skilled labor and poor access routes, and maritime insecurities. From the findings, the key actors in the management of blue economy resources in Kenya include the Kenyan Government through Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, The Fisheries Department, Kenya Maritime Authority, the Kenya Navy, NEMA, and the Coast Guard among others; the private sector, the African Union and its subsidiaries, and the United Nations and its subsidiaries. The keys strategies employed in advancing Blue Economy resource management include harnessing of Blue Economy resources, Maritime Spatial Planning, using different techniques to measure economic progress, engaging in regional treaties and international agreements, and maritime partnerships. To overcome the underlying challenges and boost Blue Economy resource management, the study, therefore, recommends: (i) boosting od maritime security, (ii) increasing funding for Blue Economy programs, (iii) improving research and innovation, and (iv) introducing favorable tariffs.