Transboundary Fisheries Management in Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA): Prospects and Dilemmas

Imikendu Imbwae (), Shankar Aswani, Warwick Sauer and Clinton Hay
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Imikendu Imbwae: Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science (DIFS), Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
Shankar Aswani: Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science (DIFS), Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
Warwick Sauer: Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science (DIFS), Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
Clinton Hay: Namibia Nature Foundation, Windhoek 10005, Namibia

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 5, 1-17

Abstract: Inland fisheries in the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) offer food security to the riverine communities across the region. They also contribute towards the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 15, which aim to alleviate poverty and maintain biodiversity conservation. Despite this significant role, the fisheries have suffered severe declines in the previous decades due to multiple factors, such as overfishing and poor legislation. Furthermore, climate change is exerting pressure by altering the ecology and productivity of the river systems. The unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have further constrained management efforts. Attempts to address these challenges have pointed towards transboundary fisheries management as a silver bullet in moving towards sustainable fisheries management. However, the implementation of this strategy in the region has encountered numerous roadblocks, thereby subjecting the river ecosystem to a wider environmental threat, with dire consequences on livelihoods. This paper reviews existing management and governance structures together with key informant interviews to elicit primary and secondary data essential for management at the regional level. The study identifies conflicting regulations, and inadequate policies and institutions across the region as major bottlenecks affecting the successful implementation of transboundary fisheries management. Finally, the paper offers some suggestions for the improvement of fisheries management in the region.

Keywords: governance; inland fisheries; transboundary; Kavango–Zambezi; CCRF (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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