Vulnerable or Resilient? A study of the Livelihoods of Fishmongers along the Dunga Beach, Kisumu County, Kenya

This study examines the livelihoods of fishmongers at Dunga Beach on the banks of Lake Victoria in Kisumu County, emphasizing the dual themes of vulnerability and resilience within the framework of economic activities related to fisheries. The study employed qualitative and quantitative methods, such as interviews, surveys, and field observations, to collect data from a diverse sample of 100 fishmongers, who are integral to the local economy and food security, documenting their experiences and strategies amid various stressors. The research evaluated the socio-economic and environmental difficulties encountered, including climate change, market volatility, and resource depletion. The findings indicate a multifaceted array of vulnerabilities, encompassing the effects of climate change, overfishing, and variable market demands, which jeopardize the sustainability of fishing techniques and the livelihoods reliant on them. Numerous fishmongers encounter heightened competitiveness and escalating expenses, intensifying their financial instability. Moreover, health complications, limited access to credit, and insufficient infrastructure exacerbate their vulnerable circumstances. Notwithstanding these limitations, the research highlights considerable resilience among fishmongers. Numerous individuals have adjusted by employing inventive coping tactics, including broadening their product lines, participating in other income-generating endeavors, and establishing cooperatives to improve negotiating leverage and resource access. Community solidarity and knowledge-sharing are essential elements of their resilience, cultivating social networks that offer support in challenging times. This study provides important insights into the complex interplay between vulnerability and resilience among fishmongers at Dunga Beach, Kisumu County, highlighting the necessity of identifying and enhancing these adaptive capacities via specific interventions and governmental initiatives. It promotes the inclusion of fishmongers' perspectives in decision-making about resource management and economic growth. Finally, the studycontributes to broader conversations on sustainable livelihoods, gender dynamics, and environmental stewardship within the context of Lake Victoria's fishery.