Component C

Socio-Economic Baseline Survey of Coastal Communities in the BCLME.
Socio-Economic Baseline Survey of Coastal Communities in the BCLME. Component C of BCLME Artisanal Fisheries Project
Introduction
The Benguela Current large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) Programme is a multi-sectoral, multi-faceted, GEF funded regional initiative involving South Africa, Namibia and Angola and is aimed at facilitating the integrated management, sustainable development and protection of this unique eastern boundary upwelling ecosystem. The GEF funded component of the BCLME programme was developed specifically to address priority regional transboundary issues and problems as identified through a comprehensive multi-stakeholder consultation process.

Through the BCLME regional consultation process several projects relevant to the future management and possible development of the artisanal fisheries sector were identified. This research project LMR/AFSE/03/01/C is concerned with gaining an understanding of the socio-economic characteristics and conditions of coastal communities living within the BCLME region, assessing the extent to which different coastal economic activities contribute to their livelihoods and how these communities differ both within and across countries.
Component C.JPG
Aims and Objectives
The overall aim of this project (Component C) is to undertake a socio-economic baseline survey of coastal communities in the BCLME region in order to provide baseline information which will enhance understanding of livelihood circumstances and strategies employed by these communities and assess the role that various coastal activities, e.g. fishing, mariculture and tourism play in meeting food security and livelihood needs.

The specific objectives of the socio-economic baseline survey would be to provide information on:

  1. the socio-economic characteristics of coastal communities in the BCLME region;
  2. economic information on livelihoods and income generating activities;
  3. identify livelihood sources, patterns and strategies of coastal communities survey, in particular assess the role of artisanal fishers and mariculture in respect of food security as well as the importance of mariculture and tourism to livelihoods of coastal communities;
  4. perceptions with respect to livelihood and employment opportunities linked to fisheries resources and other resources;
  5. determine skills and human capacity needs of coastal communities which could enhance livelihood circumstances, and reduce vulnerability of coastal communities in the BCLME; and
  6. make recommendations regarding the use and development of coastal and fisheries resources in order to balance development needs, address poverty and ensure sustainability of natural resources.

Publications and Reports
Project Team
This is a collaborative project between researchers at the EEU, UCT and the Artisanal Fisheries Institute in Angola.

EEU Project Team
Merle Sowman
Paula Cardosa
With assistance from Masifundisa’s field staff
   
Project Partners
Institute for the Development of Artisanal Fisheries (IPA), Angola
Agostinho Domingos Caholo Duarte
P. A. Kingombo
Client
Global Environmental Facility (GEF)
Time Frame
March 2004 – October 2006