The influence of 'space' on migrant fisher livelihoods. Issue 3 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wanyonyi, Innocent N; Wamukota, Andrew; Mwakha Alati, Victor; Osuka, Kennedy
• Is Part Of: African identities. Volume 19:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 359
• Page End: 374
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Market -- migration destination -- social relations -- 'space' -- sustainable livelihoods; National characteristics, African -- Periodicals; Africans -- Periodicals; African diaspora -- Periodicals; Africa -- Civilization -- Periodicals; 305.896
• DOI: 10.1080/14725843.2021.1937050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-5843

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Understanding the migration of fishers through the spatial window clarifies the critical role the phenomenon plays in artisanal fishers' livelihoods. Migrant fishers' 'space' refers to the complete spectrum of spatial characteristics at the destination, which include fishing ground, landing site, market, social relations and integration into society. A multiple methods approach was employed to evaluate migrant fishers' 'space' at four destinations in coastal Kenya from October 2010 to March 2011. Results point out to the importance of spatial characteristics at the destination landing sites in influencing fishers' migrations. The social relations of migrant fishers with local communities play a critical role in the integration of migrant fishers by enabling them to maintain a 'place' in the fishing practice. The maintenance of 'place' provides migrant fishers with access to the resources thereby contributing to migrant fishers' life sustenance. Therefore, understanding fishers 'space' allows for a better understanding of the critical roles of fisher migration in sustaining coastal livelihoods.