Conservation of Mangroves: Challenges and Prospects in the Scarcies River Estuary, Sierra Leone

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2020 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 7 Issue 6

Year of Publication : 2020

Authors : Komba J. Konoyima

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V7I6P102

How to Cite?

Komba J. Konoyima, "Conservation of Mangroves: Challenges and Prospects in the Scarcies River Estuary, Sierra Leone," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 7,  no. 6, pp. 7-13, 2020. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V7I6P102

Abstract:

The study aimed at investigating the challenges and prospects of mangrove restoration and conservation in the Scarcies River Estuary, a prerequisite for effective management planning. A total of 200 participants were interviewed in five coastal communities through Focused Group Discussion and Key Informant Interviews using structured questionnaires. Generally, 60.5% of participants cleared mangroves for commercial rice farming, of which Rokupr (16.5%) and Mambolo (15%) recorded the highest. 22.5% converted mangroves for commercial salt production, and dominantly practiced in kasseri (6.5%) and Kychom (7.5%). 17.5% had cleared mangrove for infrastructural development of which Yeliboya recorded the highest (11.5%). There was an overly weak correlation (r = -0.014) between conversions to ‘rice field’ and ‘salt production’ as the dominant aspects of conversions of mangroves, and the difference between them was significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, rice farming (38.5%) and fishing (27.5%) were key economic activities in the study areas. In conclusion, the low financial capacity to explore other income options could be compelling incentives for the conversion of mangroves, a disincentive for resource conservation in the study areas. Training in livelihood diversification and support through loans should be considered in planning for mangrove restoration and conservation in this region.

Keywords:

Ecosystem, governance, incentive, open access, sustainability

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