Challenges of co-management on shared fishery ecosytems : the case of Lake Chiuta

Abstract

As part of the Centre for Applied Social Sciences (CASS)-Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) ‘Breaking New Ground’ project, a study was commissioned on Lake Chiuta between August 2004 and March 2005 to identify the major challenges of implementing comanagement in shared ecosystems. There are frequent conflicts among fishing communities on Lake Chiuta mainly due to definitions of resource boundaries and membership, the limited empowerment of the user communities because of weak decentralised structures, and the application of different policy frameworks and rules on the two sides of the lake. However, opportunities exist for co-operation as the fishing communities share the same culture, traditional values and language. They recognise the roles of their traditional leaders and both governments – of Malawi and Mozambique – have adopted community participation approach in their development projects. Both countries have also signed various international conventions, agreements, and protocols that deal with conservation and management of natural resources. The process of establishing Lake Chiuta transboundary fisheries co-management started in 2002, and still falls largely in Phase I. Both Malawian and Mozambican fishing communities need to continue to share information and ideas on how to develop a common management strategy to reduce conflicts. Further steps in Phase II include a formal agreement to be signed between the two parties and harmonisation of policy and legislative frameworks. The final stage, Phase III, will involve consolidation of the whole process.