Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge and Management Systems of Marine Ecosystems Among the Mijikenda of Coastal Kenya

Abstract

This paper presents findings of a study on the indigenous knowledge and management systems of the Mijikenda people of marine resources. The objective of the study was to investigate how Mijikenda indigenous knowledge system provides a foundation sustainable management of marine resources. The study was guided by the theory of neo-structuralism and was undertaken between 2013 and 2022 in villages stretching from Vanga on the border between Kenya and Tanzania in the south coast to Matsangoni in Kilifi County in the north coast of Kenya. The study employed the exploratory design which was descriptive. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews, informal interviews and transect walks. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The findings indicate that the community has been managing mangroves, fisheries and corals through indigenous systems over the years. The systems used to manage and conserve the resources include seasonal bans, demarcation of some species or ecosystems as sacred or taboo as well as the use of metaphors. The community has done this through observation of characteristics such as behaviour related to feeding, breeding, style of movement in the sea as well as seasonal appearance in certain locations.