Samuel Otieno John
Biography
Project Management- University of Washington Department of Global Health-United States of America Project Planning Monitoring and Evaluation- University of California, Berkeley United States Fundamental Health Research- University of Washington Department of Global Health Masters Class of Performance Measurement with Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)- University of Western Australia in Collaboration with the University of Nairobi (UoN), Kenya Environment and Policy-Asian Development Bank Institute, Japan. Guidance and Counseling- Moi University, Kenya
Research Interest
Natural Resource, Climate Change, Carbon Sequestration, Agricultural Economics and Resource Management
Abstract
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF FISHEROLKS’ WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF WATER HYACINTH IN LAKE VICTORIA, KEYA OTIENO
Lake Victoria has been facing heavy threats of water hyacinth infestation over the years. The impact of this aquatic invasive species ranges from a decline in fish harvest, an outbreak of water borne diseases, disruptions in water transport, loss of employment opportunities as well as rise in social crimes. The attempts to avert this aquatic weed has proven to be futile given the top-down intervention approach with minimum engagement of fisherfolks. This has resulted to limited considerations on the socio-economic policy framework on programmes associated with water hyacinth management along the shorelines of L. Victoria. The study aimed at providing the missing socio-economic aspects of water hyacinth control policy strategies in Kenya. The study objectives specifically estimated fisherfolks’ mean WTP amounts and also examined the socio economic determinants of fisherfolks’ willingness to pay decisions for improved management of water hyacinth in Lake Victoria. A state preference which is anchored on the contingent valuation technique was adopted. The study employed the use of a cross-sectional survey to obtain information from fisherfolks along the Lake Victoria region. A multi-stage involving four stages was followed to sample a total of 268 fisherfolks. The study was anchored on the payment card valuation format and special trust fund elicitation technique to source fisherfolks’ WTP monetary values in Kenya shillings. The primary data was obtained from fisherfolks through a researcher guided questionnaire while secondary data was sourced from fishery annual reports. Descriptive statistics such a mean, percentages were used and presented in the form charts and tables. Additionally, fisherfolks’ WTP determinants were assessed by the use of Tobit regression model. The results showed that fisherfolks were on average willing to pay an amount of Kshs. 175.11 (US$1.75) with an aggregate contribution worth Kshs. 42,500 (US$ 425) monthly to support the proposed management of water hyacinth plan. The variables age (P= 0.000), experience (P =0.000), income (P =0.000), perception of fisherfolks about water hyacinth infestation (P= 0.000), fishing groups (P =0.000) and gender of fisherfolks (P =0.000) had significance influence with the fisherfolks’ WTP decisions for the proposed management plan. The WTP amounts were found to increase with fisherfolks’ income, perception, and gender. The amounts, however, declined with the age, distance, experience and fishing group. This study has provided insight towards the socio economic aspects required when setting-up water hyacinth management framework. The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and Lake Victoria Environmental Management Programme (LVEMP) should adopt this policy intervention so as to raise funds for water hyacinth management initiatives in Kenya. The policy measures majorly targeting higher income generation from fishing related activities such as the provision of fishing gears like fishing nets, boats and protective devices need to be enacted to boost fisherfolks contributions toward the proposed management strategy. Both NEMA and LVEMP authorities should also create more awareness concerning water hyacinth infestation as an environmental threat so as to enable more stakeholders to take participate in the improved water hyacinth management initiatives in Lake Victoria.
