Assessment of local governance structures, attitudes and perceptions influencing management of the mangrove ecosystem in Vanga, Kenya

Abstract

Mangroves throughout the world are a critical ecosystem facing numerous threats. In Kenya, losses of mangroves in the last two decades have been estimated to be at 20%. Continued destruction could result in more than 70% of mangrove cover loss in the next 50 years thus affecting biodiversity and livelihoods of many coastal communities. Overexploitation and conversion pressure are the main causes of loss and degradation. Incentive based mechanisms such as Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) and Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) could significantly increase local community participation in mangrove conservation. Two important questions concerning the likely applicability of incentive based schemes to a given site are: what is the capacity of the local governance structures to manage these programs and what are the views of the local community regarding the state of the ecosystem? This study investigated the local governance structures that exist to support conservation and management of the mangrove ecosystem. Using Vanga mangrove ecosystem as a case study, the study further investigated attitudes and perceptions of local communities towards the status and condition of mangroves forests in their area. The data was collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, household surveys and participant observation. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, correlations, cross-tabulation, text analysis and data triangulation. The Forest Guard was recognized as the key decision maker in local mangrove governance by 78% of respondents while co-management by the Community Forest Association was only recognized by 32%. Poor monitoring strategies and lack of adequate community consultation were identified as major factors that led to continued destruction of the resource. More than half (62 %) of the respondents perceived the Vanga mangrove ecosystem as degraded to some extent; whereas 86% would be willing to participate in their conservation if incentives were provided. Local decision making on how to share benefits accrued was a significant motivation factor for participation in conservation as this allows for community priorities to be taken into consideration. It is highly likely that the attitude of the community towards the incentive based initiatives would be influenced by the perceived long-term benefits of conserving the mangrove ecosystem for carbon credits against the opportunity cost of short-term benefits of exploitation. Providing opportunities for community monitoring through creation of by-laws and local sanctions would promote better community support. Community training on incentive based schemes is necessary in order to provide a better understanding of the concept and thus foster long term community support in conservation.