Gender and the sustainable management of the mangrove ecosystem in Msambweni division, Kwale district, coast province, Kenya

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