Patterns of Mangrove Resource Uses within the Transboundary Conservation Area of Kenya and Tanzania

Anne Wanjiru Kamau (), Halimu Shauri, Jean Hugé, Karolien Van Puyvelde, Nico Koedam and James Gitundu Kairo
Additional contact information
Anne Wanjiru Kamau: Department of Social Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi P.O. Box 195-80108, Kenya
Halimu Shauri: Department of Social Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi P.O. Box 195-80108, Kenya
Jean Hugé: Laboratory of Plant Biology and Nature Management, Ecology and Biodiversity, Vrije Universiteit Brussel—VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
Karolien Van Puyvelde: Laboratory of Plant Biology and Nature Management, Ecology and Biodiversity, Vrije Universiteit Brussel—VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
Nico Koedam: Laboratory of Plant Biology and Nature Management, Ecology and Biodiversity, Vrije Universiteit Brussel—VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
James Gitundu Kairo: Department of Oceanography and Hydrography, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Mombasa P.O. Box 81651-80100, Kenya

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 11, 1-18

Abstract: Mangrove forests provide a wide range of goods and services that sustain communities around the world. This paper explores utilization patterns of extractable mangrove resources by communities within the proposed Kenya–Tanzania transboundary conservation area (TBCA). Some 152 household surveys and 12 nominal group technique discussions were carried out. At least 16 direct-use products were reported to be extracted from the mangroves, with 90% of households found to use mangrove products. Changing patterns of mangrove use in the areas and accessibility point towards unsustainable utilization and promote illegal activities. Mangrove use patterns also show a high level of mangrove dependence by communities for their livelihood. Overharvesting of mangrove wood products is reported to be the major threat facing the forests. There is a need to address the problems of open access through capacity building and awareness creation, development and implementation of harvest plans, and introduction of alternative livelihood options. The results of this study can be used to inform development of the proposed TBCA as well as the establishment of a conservation policy in order to contribute to sustainable utilization of mangroves. These findings are important within the TBCA as well as similar environments around the world.

Keywords: mangrove use; transboundary conservation area; sustainability; Kenya (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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