Community perceptions on the role of indigenous knowledge in policy recommendations for co-management modelling

Without adequate understanding of perceptions and opinions of fisher folk and other fisheries stakeholders, management plans, strategies and extension activities cannot take into account existing public concerns and knowledge. A study was conducted to investigate perceptions and opinion of fishers and non-fisher towards fisheries comanagement in southern Lake Tanganyika. This study was conducted in the two districts of Mpulungu and Nsama in Zambia. A total of 686 respondents were sampled. Data were collected using structured and semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Most analyses for this study were run using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The FGD data were analyzed using Classical Content Analysis (CCA). The study revealed that both respondent categories investigated shared negative perceptions of the recent fish catch trends and what the future holds in stock. The study also revealed negative perceptions towards control over resources, community mobilization, punishment of violators, recognition of local knowledge and experiences in management. Respondents supported the propositions that fisheries management responsibilities should be visibly distributed between the government and fishing communities, rules-in-use needed to be changed, and a competent trusted co-management body should be put in place to support decision making and manage conflicts. The study revealed that both positive and negative perceptions and opinions provide motivations, and adaptations necessary for improvements in the management of fisheries. It is recommended that further studies on public perceptions, opinions and knowledge pertaining to fisheries be periodically undertaken.