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Research Article | Open Access
Volume 7 | Issue 6 | Year 2020 | Article Id. IJHSS-V7I6P102 | DOI : https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V7I6P102

Conservation of Mangroves: Challenges and Prospects in the Scarcies River Estuary, Sierra Leone

Komba J. Konoyima

Citation :

Komba J. Konoyima, "Conservation of Mangroves: Challenges and Prospects in the Scarcies River Estuary, Sierra Leone," International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 7, no. 6, pp. 7-13, 2020. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V7I6P102

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the challenges and prospects of mangrove restoration and conservation in the Scarcies River Estuary, a prerequisite for effective management planning. A total of 200 participants were interviewed in five coastal communities through Focused Group Discussion and Key Informant Interviews using structured questionnaires. Generally, 60.5% of participants cleared mangroves for commercial rice farming, of which Rokupr (16.5%) and Mambolo (15%) recorded the highest. 22.5% converted mangroves for commercial salt production, and dominantly practiced in kasseri (6.5%) and Kychom (7.5%). 17.5% had cleared mangrove for infrastructural development of which Yeliboya recorded the highest (11.5%). There was an overly weak correlation (r = -0.014) between conversions to ‘rice field’ and ‘salt production’ as the dominant aspects of conversions of mangroves, and the difference between them was significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, rice farming (38.5%) and fishing (27.5%) were key economic activities in the study areas. In conclusion, the low financial capacity to explore other income options could be compelling incentives for the conversion of mangroves, a disincentive for resource conservation in the study areas. Training in livelihood diversification and support through loans should be considered in planning for mangrove restoration and conservation in this region.

Keywords

Ecosystem, governance, incentive, open access, sustainability

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