Stakeholder Participation and Implications on Sustainable Blue Economy Development: Case Study of Small-scale Fishers in the Coastal Region of Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Birech Robert T | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-09-14T05:03:07Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-09-14T05:03:07Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The study sought to examine the role of Small-Scale Fishers’ (SSF) participation in the Blue Economy development in the Coastal Region of Kenya. Blue Economy, a global framework for sustainable marine resource utilization, places coastal regions at the forefront of economic development and conservation. The specific objectives were to assess the extent of stakeholder engagement in Kenyan Blue Economy development, to analyse the socio-economic and ecological effects of stakeholder participation and to evaluate the challenges and opportunities for stakeholder participation with reference to SSF in the coastal region of Kenya. The study utilised the Institutionalism Theory by March and Olsen (1984), to explain stakeholder participation in marine resource management. The study used descriptive survey research design to examine stakeholder participation for sustainable Blue Economy development in Kenya's coastal region. A mix of qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches was adopted that had a sample size of 133. Data was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The study rigorously adhered to ethical principles, including obtaining necessary approvals, securing informed consent, safeguarding participant confidentiality, and respecting cultural sensitivities to protect participant rights and well-being. The study findings revealed that, effective stakeholder engagement is necessary for sustainable development of the blue economy. While there have been efforts to involve local fishers in processes of decision making and blue economy initiatives, there are still challenges to overcome, including limited resources, institutional barriers, and power imbalances. Inferential statistics revealed significant correlations between perception of sustainable Blue Economy development in Kenya and level of stakeholder engagement (r=0.503, p<0.01), socio-economic/ecological effects of stakeholder participation (r=0.974, p<0.01), and challenges/opportunities for effective involvement (r=0.194, p<0.05). Regression analysis confirmed these variables' strong predictive power (R²=0.951). However, there are also opportunities to strengthen stakeholder participation through capacity-building, inclusive policies, and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. By addressing these challenges and harnessing opportunities, Kenya can promote a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy development that benefits SSF and preserves marine ecosystems for future generations. In this regard, the study recommends that, the need to establish community engagement platforms such as regular meetings, workshops, and forums where are small-scale fishers can actively engage in public awareness processes related to blue economy development initiatives. The government should implement capacity-building programs tailored for specific needs of local fishers. The policy makers should ensure that policies and regulations governing the blue economy consider the interests and perspectives of SSF to enhance stakeholder participation and sustainable Blue Economy development, further the study recommends fostering collaboration between SSF and government, building SSF capacity, strengthening market linkages, and promoting community-based resource management. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://repository.ndu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/114 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.title | Stakeholder Participation and Implications on Sustainable Blue Economy Development: Case Study of Small-scale Fishers in the Coastal Region of Kenya | |
| dc.type | Thesis |