| dc.description.abstract | The need for sound institutional approach is more relevant especially where the global fish resources are dwindling and livelihoods are being lost as a result of overexploitation. In many cases, livelihoods of small-scale fishing households are usually disrupted and are unable to derive the long-term socio-economic benefits that support livelihoods. To achieve sustainable fisheries livelihoods, the intended beneficiaries as resource users (fisherfolks) and their households become active participants as well as change agents in terms of reorganizing their interaction with the resource systems. Hence, the understanding of social set-up in terms of norms, values and cultures with reference to existing livelihoods. The objectives of this study were to analyze socio-economic profiles of artisanal fishing households in Homa-Bay County; assess institutional frameworks and compliance with regulations among artisanal fishing households in Homa-Bay County and identify the livelihood coping strategies among artisanal fishing households in the study area. The study used Institutional and Hierarchy of Needs theories to anchor the explanations. A case study research design was adopted in which purposive sampling technique was used to identify respondents. Data collection tools included semi-structured questionnaires, interview schedules, observation guides, Focus Group Discussion guides and Oral historical presentations. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analyzed through content and thematic methods. The study findings are expressed in form of tables, figures, statements, narratives and arguments. The results reveal that fishing is dominated by individuals between the age of 36-60 years (59.5%) while those above 60 years (15.5%) have gradually exited the activity. Gender stereotypes still exist as exhibited in the number of of males (78%) having participated in the study. The education level was low with (46.6%) of respondents having either attained or dropped at primary school level. The locals (89.2%) dominated fishing in the study area probably due to the size of households 6-10 (44.6%). The data analyzed show that community norms, customs and values play a role in the artisanal fishing livelihoods. Further, results indicate that compliance with fishery regulations has been undermined by lack of efficient enforcement and limited livelihood options for small-scale fishing households. The findings indicate small scale fishing households have adopted various coping strategies such as intensified fishing effort, reliance on remittances and migration to other areas. Other activities such as boda-boda, sand harvesting, horticulture and wage labour have also supplemented household livelihoods in the area. The study found out that fishing and farming (46.6%) remain the dominant livelihood activities for households in the study area. The study concludes that institutions and demographic factors contribute to the observed fishing livelihood patterns and that small-scale fishing households have developed transient livelihood strategies for survival. It is recommended that livelihood intervention programmes need to prioritize improving non-fishing activities to enable fishing households explore other options for survival. | en_US |