Community Customs and Sustainability of Beach Management Units in Homabay County, Kenya

The sustainability of Beach Management Units (BMUs) in Homabay County, Kenya, continues to face substantial challenges due to a disconnect between community customs and formal governance structures. This study aimed to address these challenges by investigating the effect of community customs on BMU sustainability and exploring the moderating role of project committee composition. The study was guided by Hardin’s theory of the tragedy of the commons and Network Analysis theory. A concurrent mixed-method research design was employed, targeting 143 BMUs across active fishing sites, with a population of 7,151 individuals, including 1,939 key informants and 5,212 fishing participants from five sub-counties along Lake Victoria. A sample of 647 respondents was selected through stratified random sampling, proportionate stratified sampling, and purposive sampling techniques. Primary data was collected by use of structured questionnaires and key informant interview schedules that captured the various variables of the study. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data collected. Quantitative results revealed that community customs (β = 0.123, p < 0.05) had a positive and statistically significant effect on BMU sustainability. The correlation coefficient (r = 0.711, p < 0.01) indicated a strong positive relationship, with a 71.1% probability that increased alignment with community customs would enhance project sustainability. Qualitative findings further reinforced the significance of local customs, such as traditional ecological knowledge, dispute resolution mechanisms, and collective decision-making in ensuring compliance and enhancing conservation efforts. The study concludes that aligning BMU governance structures with community customs strengthens community ownership, increases regulatory compliance, and promotes sustainable resource management. The research underscores the critical need for managers to actively engage with local communities and incorporate their customs into governance processes. It also urges policymakers to design inclusive governance strategies that bridge the gap between traditional practices and formal management structures. By fostering culturally aligned governance, BMUs can enhance project acceptance, leading to more effective and sustainable natural resource management in developing countries.