Towards effective stakeholder participation in co-management through fisheries management clinics

A study was conducted to investigate the level of stakeholder participation in co-management of Lake Tanganyika. This study was conducted in the two districts of Mpulungu and Nsama on the Zambian water front. A total of 568 respondents were sampled at 5% confidence interval and 95% levels of confidence. Data was collected using structured and semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Analyses were run using SPSS and Excel computer software, and Classical Content Analysis. Results of the study revealed that the fishery lacks well-informed, legitimate and transparent stakeholder authority. To enhance success of co-management endeavours, there is need of having clearer pictures of stakeholders, their influence patterns and power relations. The study recommends a framework of fisheries management clinics as a tool for effective stakeholder participation in comanagement. These clinics would offer on-going advisory services and would at the same time be a preferred extension method.