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The contribution of coastal small-scale fisheries towards the sustainable development goals: A Kenyan case study

Published Article

Kenya

Publication date: May 1, 2025

File format: URL

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Small‑scale fisheries are vital for coastal economies, food security and livelihoods, yet their contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals remain poorly quantified. Through the Fish2Sustainability Project, researchers conducted a Kenya‑based case study using a Rapid Appraisal Tool and participatory engagement with fishers and experts. Data were analyzed using Pycharm in the Anaconda environment to generate polar charts linking fishery attributes to SDG targets. Results showed variable contributions across fisheries, with Kenya’s small‑scale fisheries achieving an overall medium‑level contribution to the SDGs. The study highlights persistent knowledge gaps and underscores the importance of participatory assessment frameworks for integrating SSF into national sustainability planning.

Subject Tags

  • Coastal
  • Fisheries

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) have a significant contribution to economies of coastal countries, offering employment and healthy and affordable food for communities. Despite an increasing focus on SSFs worldwide, data and knowledge gaps still exist. Furthermore, SSF contribution to SDGs is neither known nor accounted for. Through the Fish2Sustainability (F2S) Project a case study was conducted in Kenya to assess interactions between SSF and SDGs using a Rapid Appraisal Tool and summarize interactions between SFF attributes and SDG targets for selected fishery. A participatory approach was used to collect information from SSF actors’ and experts in each fishery. Data was analyzed using Pycharm software in the Anaconda Package (Anaconda3 version 2023.03-1) to provide polar charts showing the contribution of each SSF towards the SDGs. Results showed variable contributions for different fisheries and that the contribution of Kenya’s SSF towards the SDGs is at a medium level.

Citation

Fondo, E. N., Bitoun, R. E., Kimani, E. N., Munga, C. N., Wambiji, N., Ishmael, N., ... & Devillers, R. (2025). The contributions of coastal small-scale fisheries toward the sustainable development goals: a Kenyan Case Study. npj Ocean Sustainability, 4(1), 14. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4562142/v1

TNC Authors

  • George W. Maina
    Africa Fisheries Strategy Manager
    The Nature Conservancy
    Email: gwmaina@tnc.org