Mangrove ecosystem resources: Dependence of coastal communities in the Scarcies River Estuary, Sierra Leone

Abstract

The study was conducted in the Great Scarcies Estuary, North-Western Coast of Sierra Leone and it involved 200 respondents. Methods  included Focused Group Discussion, Key Informant Interviews and transect walk. The article aimed at promoting initiatives for mangrove  restoration and management in the Scarcies River Estuary. The objective of the study is to bridge a research gap by documenting specific  mangrove products most utilized by locals for subsistence or commercial purposes. Results showed that mudskipper (84.5%), finfish  (73%), littoral crabs (80.5%), river crabs (79.5%), littoral snails (84.5%) and pane aid shrimps (76.5%) attained higher values for subsistence  use; whereas mangrove oyster (78%), cockle (76.5%) and mangrove wood (65%) largely attracted commercial interest. The  African Manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) is non-target species. Mean frequencies for subsistence and commercial dependence ranged  from 9.3±3.9– 33.5±2.5 and 5.8±3.1–30.8±3.9 respectively, and the difference is insignificant (P>0.05).Rice farming is the dominant economic activity in the region. Chi Square test (ANOVA, df. = 4; α = 5%) confirms dependence of locals on direct mangrove tree products  (oyster and wood) for income. Further research on the ecological integrity and values can improve the will of locals and managers to  restore and conserve mangroves in this area.