Managing the natural capital of papyrus within riparian zones of Lake Victoria, Kenya
This study explores the socioeconomic characteristics of livelihoods based on papyrus within the Nyando river basin
Abstract
The harvesting of natural products such as papyrus, whether for subsistence value or for the production of commodities intended for sale at local markets, contributes to the well-being of riparian peoples around Lake Victoria, Kenya. Serious losses of papyrus wetlands across East Africa have been reported, most of which are attributed to increasing anthropogenic stressors. Recent studies have called for restoration of these wetlands, emphasizing the need for sustainable harvesting strategies to be put in place, although few have provided suggestions as to how this might happen in practical terms and, crucially, with the consent and active participation of local communities as key stakeholders. Here we explore the socioeconomic characteristics of livelihoods based on papyrus, presenting data generated from surveys, interviews and group discussions collected at multiple sites within the Nyando river basin, Kenya
Citation
Morrison, E.H.J., Upton, C., Odhiambo-K’oyooh, K., Harper, D.M., Managing the natural capital of papyrus within riparian zones of Lake Victoria, Kenya, Hydrobiologia, vol.692, issue1, pp.5-17, 2011
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Managing the natural capital of papyrus within riparian zones of Lake Victoria, Kenya