Coastal Resource Conservation in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Communities' Perception and its Implications

Abstract

Coastal and shoreline changes have increased the vulnerability of coastal resources to the consequences of significant climatic and non-climatic stressors. Climate change and variability negatively impact the coastal population whose livelihoods depend on marine resources in Tanzania's coastal areas.  This study explored coastal resource conservation in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam, focusing on community perception of coastal resource dynamics and its implications. The study used systematic random and purposive sampling to obtain a total of 237 respondents. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and remote sensing. Discourse, thematic approaches, and a geographical information system, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22) were used to analyse data. As per the findings, the communities were aware of the available marine resources, but fish had significantly decreased in quantity and variety. However, mangrove forests had increased due to afforestation. The change of marine resources in the study areas caused a decline in fish, a decrease in income, and the destruction of coral reefs. community engagement, enforcement of conservation rules for sustainable marine resource management.