An African epistemological analysis of socio-economic challenges and opportunities of traditional fishing communities in KwaZulu-Natal coastal areas, South Africa.

Abstract

South Africa has the potential to improve socio-economic justice through policy promulgation and implementation. Literature shows that traditional fishers and their families along the coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, who fundamentally depend on subsistence fishing for food security and sustainable livelihoods, seem to be systematically excluded from participation in the ocean economy. Similarly, African beliefs and customs as practiced by traditional fishery communities have yet to be incorporated in promulgation and implementation of fishery policies. Therefore, this study aimed to apply an African epistemological analysis to navigating the complexities of governance, knowledge co-creation and policy dynamics when it comes to traditional fisheries. The study implemented a multi-inter-transdisciplinary (MIT-D) approach underpinned by multiple worldviews of constructivism, hermeneutic phenomenology, interpretivism and African epistemologies. The study sites were eThekwini metropolitan municipality and uMkhanyakude and uGu district municipalities. The mixed methods research included administration of questionnaires to 125 middle and senior management of the South African Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment across the study sites. The qualitative component involved 21 in-depth individual interviews together with 14 group interviews (62 individuals) of traditional fishers, civil society members and izinduna yielding 83 individual interviewees. Hence, with quantitative and qualitative research respondents combined, there were 208 study participants. In addition, data quality control was maintained through forms of validity and reliability for quantitative data and elements of trustworthiness (credibility, dependability, conformability and transferability) for qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS whilst qualitative data were analysed through an integration of content, matrix and thematic analyses. The multi-paradigmatic approach was complemented by data, methodological and theoretical triangulation. The MIT-D orientation of the study helped co-create knowledge with participants which led to a new African epistemologically inspired conceptual framework to address critical issues faced by traditional fishers in coastal communities. The theoretical propositions and conceptual framework could be instrumental in governance and policy-making structures that help facilitate inclusion of the traditional fishery industry in the ocean economy whilst promoting environmental sustainability. The evidence-based insights and recommendations offered may be transferable for improvement of the traditional fishing industry in other similarly situated coastal communities.