Use of indigenous knowledge and traditional practices in fisheries management: a case of Chisi Island, Lake Chilwa, Zomba

Abstract

This paper presents results of a study, which examined local ecological knowledge and traditional management practices in lake resources management on Chisi Island. A combination of household questionnaires, semi structured interviews with key informants and focus group discussions were used to collect the required data for the study. The paper also includes review of other scientific studies done in the area to validate the survey results. The study found that Chisi inhabitants have developed and maintained some local ecological knowledge and practices that can have significant implications in scientific studies and on the management of lake resources on the Island. The practices included restricted cutting of Typha, fishing and access in sacred sites and conservation of mabawe. These traditional practices encouraged regeneration and sustainable utilisation of fish. The knowledge systems have been conserved and passed on from generation to generation through religious beliefs, taboos and myths. Some indigenous knowledge systems have been eroded over the past years due to changes in social structures, immigration and advent of new religions, adoption of new resource harvesting techniques and changes in life styles. Although these knowledge systems were not specifically meant for conservation of natural resources, the study argues that to achieve sustainable designs or implementation of natural resource management projects, there is need to integrate relevant existing indigenous knowledge systems that promote conservation of resources.

Keywords: sustainable utilisation and conservation.