A review on the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in fisheries management: A case of Mbenji Island small-scale fishery in Malawi

Abstract

Fisheries management has evolved in Malawi from a traditional system to a centralized regime and lately to co-management fisheries systems, although, success stories about sustainability of the fishery resources are few. Open access nature of fisheries resources has posed a challenge to management regimes. Resource overexploitation has continued in a majority of fisheries worsened by large stretches of the shoreline manned by a single fisheries field staff, and limited capacity by DoF to monitor and manage the fishery. However, isolated localities have upheld management styles that have facilitated sustainable exploitation. Mbenji Island fishery ‘managers’ have ensured high compliance to fisheries rules and regulations among fishers through strict enforcement and maintained abundant fish stocks amid visibly declining levels of fish in vast localities of Lake Malawi and other water bodies in Malawi. There is, therefore, need to take the Mbenji Island success story to other fishing communities to learn from their fisheries management strategies. Information Communication Technology (ICT) as a powerful means in mobilizing communities to take charge of their own development should support ‘best practices’ and offer fishing communities access to the same type of services and advantages. If appropriately applied, ICT can provide for real-time monitoring of fisheries resources as fishers alarm law enforcers to move in at appropriate times. Fishers also strike deals on mobile phones for the day's catch even before landing at shore. This reduces post-harvest waste from delayed handling of fish. Computers have been used for data management, storage and analysis as well as accessing internet services. Studies have shown commonalities in fisher communities in terms of socio-economic and cultural characteristics. On the basis of such an advantage, more could be shared among such communities. Management success can be adopted by other communities of fishers through use of ICT such as radio programs (supplemented by phone-in sessions) undertaken by local-level resource users. These programs provide locally available information and knowledge on best practices aimed at sustainability with means within communities. This encourages community members in other localities to come together to seek the way forward on the basis of lessons from successful communities aired on local radio stations (both community or national radio stations). It is easier to adopt practices that have worked in near vicinities. After all, what is currently called comanagement is seemingly based on indigenous knowledge of fishers and other resource users. Mbenji Island is one of the custodians of ICT option in small-scale fisheries management of Lake Malawi. Information Communication Technology provides opportunity for both the Malawi Department of Fisheries (DoF) and fishers with information about fisher community activities including catch and market regardless of distance.