Marine fishery dependence, poverty and inequality nexus along the coastal lowlands of Kenya

This paper examines the nexus between marine fishery dependence, poverty and inequality among households in coastal lowlands of Kenya, specifically, Kilifi County. Data for the study were collected from 384 randomly selected households through structured pretested questionnaires. The study used the multidimensional poverty methodology and multivalued treatment effect model to determine the marine fishery dependence of households, poverty, and inequality nexus. Findings from the study show that increasing ocean fishery dependence is associated with increased poverty and inequality among the dependent households. However, it is worth mentioning that other factors may as well affect poverty. Results also revealed that fishing was not a choice, but rather a necessity with approximately 71.3% of the dependent households reporting a lack of alternative livelihood options. More so, the dependent households that pursued diversification livelihood strategies had a lower deprivation score at 0.29 compared to 0.47 that engaged solely in fishing. Welfare policies such as the establishment of Beach Management Units (BMU), No Take Zones (NTZs), locally managed marine areas (LMMAs), and information networks have been put in place to promote the livelihoods of the fishing communities. However, their implementation has been ineffective leading to social exclusion and hence poverty traps among the poorest dependent households. The study, therefore, recommends strengthening existing governance options while putting a special focus on gear regulations.