Abstract

This study was carried out in Chembe Village in Mangochi District, Southern Malawi and was done over a period of one year. The study was mainly qualitative and aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Chembe Village regarding fishing in the shallow water zone in relation to the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the area. The significance of the study was to come up with acceptable and realistic measures to reduce shallow water fishing to control and consequently reduce the prevalence of schistosomiasis infection in this village. This study was part of Lake Malawi Schistosomiasis Research Project (LMSRP). Lake Malawi Schistosomiasis Research Project is also carrying out research aimed at establishing the cause-effect relationships between fish, snails and schistosomiasis transmission to human beings at Chembe Village. Five tools of in-depth household interviews, key informants interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation were used. Data was handled and analysed differently depending on approach. Quantitative data from the household survey was coded, entered and analysed using a Statistical Package for Social Scientists software. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the basic features of the findings by summarising frequencies, percentages and basic statistics such as the mean, mode, standard deviation and variance. Qualitative data obtained from key informants, focus group discussions and participant observation tools was compiled and transcribed using line by line coding. The coding involved categorizing all emerging issues into different themes. The study noted that shallow water fishing restriction is contained in the Parks and Wildlife Act (2004) but that it applies only to the aquatic zone of Lake Malawi National Park (LMNP). However, the study observed that the enforcement of this restriction was extended to as far as the area along all the shores of Chembe Village. This study therefore noted that the enforcement of the restriction to Chembe Village was illegal because the area is outside the jurisdiction of the xiii restriction as stipulated in the Act. At the same time, the study observed that this restriction is necessary if the main experiment under investigation by LMSRP is to be successfully done. It is also important for the management of fish resources in that apart from assisting LMSRP to successfully complete its research, this restriction will also help to check the current declining trend of fish resources. The study found that for this restriction to become enforceable at Chembe Village and the other three enclave villages, LMNP boundary should be refined and re demarcated so that the villages become integrals of the Park. The study further found that while it is important to let fishermen make and enforce their own decisions, effective management entails that the government should work with the local people in the management of the fisheries since effective solutions will require a multifaceted approach. It was observed that it is unlikely that the community and fishermen will effectively manage the resource without the Fisheries Department actively taking a role in the implementation of the fishing regulations. This study further noted that once the shallow water restriction is effected, there would be need to take into account the villagers’ expectations of acceptable and realistic measures for implementing it at Chembe Village. Most respondents (31.8%) suggested the involvement of the community in the implementation of the restriction through establishment and/or strengthening of its Beach Village Committees (BVCs). Others suggested the sensitisations of the entire community, strengthening of enforcement mechanisms or introduction of alternative sources of income generation in the village. Hence the study observed a need to enhance capacity of the BVCs to enable these committees to institute and enforce the local fishing restrictions. Regarding the need to come up with alternative sources of income for the fishermen, the study recommends implementation of projects aimed at improving the ecological habitats and bringing behavioural change. The study also found a need to enhance the capacity of Chembe Village Trust (already established in the xiv village) so that natural resources from the Park can be harnessed to benefit the whole village. Finally, the study found a need to intensify tourism activities in the Park and improve the relations between Chembe Village Trust and LMNP, which is currently strained, so that the village benefits from the tourism proceeds from the Park.

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School	: School of Natural and Applied Sciences
Issued Date	: 2008

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