The link between community practices and sustainability of beach management units: Evidence from Homabay County, Kenya

Abstract

Sustainable management of fisheries resources remains a major challenge in community-based governance systems, particularly where socio-cultural dynamics influence resource use and collective decision-making. Beach Management Units (BMUs) were introduced in Kenya as a participatory fisheries co-management approach to enhance compliance with regulations, promote community participation, and improve the sustainability of fisheries resources in Lake Victoria. Despite these efforts, many BMUs continue to face challenges including illegal fishing practices, weak institutional structures, and declining fish stocks. These challenges suggest that existing management frameworks often overlook the role of community practices in resource governance and long-term sustainability. This study examined the influence of Community Practices on the sustainability of Beach Management Units (BMUs) in Homabay County, Kenya. Tragedy of the Commons and Social Network theories anchored the study. Using an explanatory research design with a mixed methods approach, the study integrated quantitative regression analysis with qualitative insights to assess how community norms, shared behaviours, and collective engagement shape long-term project outcomes. The target population was 7,151 individuals comprising registered BMU officials, committee members, and active fishing community participants across the 143 gazetted BMUs. The sample size was 400 respondents and a multi-stage sampling approach was adopted. Structured questionnaires generated quantitative data on community norms, participation, compliance behaviours, and perceptions of sustainability. Key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews provided qualitative insights and triangulation. A simple linear regression model revealed that Community Practices significantly predicted Project Sustainability. The standardized coefficient indicated a large and statistically significant effect (β = .877, p < .001), confirming that higher levels of community participation, adherence to local norms, and collective responsibility were associated with substantial improvements in project sustainability. These findings were reinforced by qualitative evidence showing that community practices foster social cohesion, enhance compliance with BMU regulations, and strengthen collective action. Participants emphasized that regular meetings, shared decision making, and communal activities promote unity and facilitate implementation of sustainability measures. However, the qualitative results also revealed tensions between traditional fishing practices and modern sustainability requirements, with some community members perceiving new regulations as threats to cultural identity or livelihood security. This resistance aligns with the Tragedy of the Commons and Social Network Theory, which highlight how strong community ties can both support and hinder sustainable resource management. The study concludes that community practices are foundational to the success and longevity of BMU initiatives. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive, participatory approaches that integrate traditional knowledge with contemporary sustainability strategies. Recommendations include strengthening community participation, enhancing capacity building, and promoting collaborative governance structures. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on community-based resource management and offers practical insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and resource managers seeking to enhance the sustainability of community-driven project.