Understanding indigenous knowledge: Its role and potential in fisheries resources management in Malawi

Fisheries resources have existed on earth for centuries and their management has depended on the knowledge available to those that were, and are, entrusted with management responsibilities. Formal technical and traditional knowledge have formed the basis for the formulation of fisheries management approaches. In the midst of global fisheries crises, such as fish stock over-exploitation and effects of climate change on fisheries, there has been great interest in fostering sustainable fisheries management as a means to improve the capacity of fishing communities to adapt to the changes. However, the approaches to achieve sustainable fisheries management in Malawi have not adequately involved local people who have acquired traditional knowledge through their direct experience with nature. This article reviewed indigenous knowledge used in fisheries management within the wider context of livelihood systems. The purpose of the review was two pronged: first to document the indigenous knowledge used in fisheries management in order to offer insights of its value to biological scientists and fisheries managers; second, to demonstrate the value of indigenous knowledge as a lens through which biological scientists can look when managing fishery resources. It argues that policies that seek to support sustainable fisheries management need to build on a better understanding of the wide range of knowledge systems acquired by the fisher-folk. The article drew from theories of conservation; information was gathered through literature review and direct consultations with fishing communities in Malawi on indigenous knowledge in fisheries.