Right tool, wrong target? Co-management in the Ugandan fishery sector

Abstract

This thesis examines the effectiveness of the co-management approach in the fishery management system of Uganda with specific case reference to the implementation of the Beach Management Units (BMU), an institutional structure for the co-management approach, in the Lake Kyoga and Lake Victoria fishing villages. The theoretical frame work of this thesis involves looking at the concept of co-management, the theory of implementation and a study of the concept of situated knowledge production processes. On the other hand, the empirical assignment consisted of following the processes that led to the implementation of the BMU system and examining the achieved goals so far. The analytical studies are to weigh the achieved goals of the implementation of the BMU system with the desired or theorised goals of the co-management concept. This is done with specific interest in outcomes related to social equity among the BMU members and the issues with the fisheries resource sustainability. The analysis is done using the sustainable livelihood approach and the institutional analysis frame work. The challenges involved in the implementation process are also highlighted and put into consideration in this analysis. At the same time, discussions in the analysis touch on issues of development knowledge production for the developing worlds with special regards to when such “knowledges” are turned into uniform policies. This discussion, with regard to knowledge production is to ascertain whether such knowledge production systems either heal or escalate the damaged situations in such regions when they are turned into policies. This thesis argues that the knowledge base of fisheries management like other development knowledge is generated from outside the culture of the society to which such knowledges are later implemented. In this way, the expected results of such are always in contrary to what is expected. Key words: Co- Management in Uganda, Beach Management Units and Fisheries management as societal development.