Dahdouh-Guebas, F.

Hugé, J.

Niyomugabo, R.

Open Marine Archive

 109 
Assessment of stakeholders’ perceptions and expectations regarding 
alternative livelihoods in support of sustainable mangrove 
management in Senegal 
Richard Niyomugabo
1
, Jean Hugé
2
 and Dahdouh-Guebas Farid
3 
1
  Stems Ecology & Resource Management Unit, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue Franklin 
Roosevelt 50, 1050 Brussels, Belgium 
 E-mail: niyomugabor@gmail.com 
2
  Systems Ecology & Resource Management Unit, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CPI 264, Avenue 
Franklin Roosevelt 50, 1050 Brussels, Belgium 
3
  Systems Ecology & Resource Management Unit, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CPI 264, Avenue 
Franklin Roosevelt 50, 1050 Brussels, Belgium 
 
Mangroves in the region of Sine-Saloum Delta (Senegal) provide people with a range of ecosystem 
services (e.g. habitat for fish, timber & non-timber forest products) that are the basis of the livelihoods 
of many people in Sokone and surrounding villages. Despite their importance, these mangroves are 
experiencing different threats mainly due to overexploitation and unsustainable use by the local 
population living within and around this ecosystem along with global forces such as climate change. 
Measures have been taken by the government of Senegal in partnership with different other 
stakeholders to ensure that mangroves of the region are conserved and sustainably exploited. Among 
the measures adopted is the elaboration of a sustainable management plan for mangroves. The plan 
will aim at reducing the high dependence and overexploitation which are threatening mangrove 
resources whilst providing for communities with income-generating activities resulting in improved 
livelihoods. 
 
The aim of this ongoing research is to probe strategies for sustainable mangrove management that 
respond to the expectations of all stakeholders in Sokone. Specifically, the research will identify 
potential alternative sources of income to improve the livelihoods of local communities living around 
the mangroves of Sokone and assess possible differences between villages in their preferences 
regarding these alternative sources. 
 
Data were collected using the Nominal Group Technique (NGT). The NGT method is a suitable tool in 
problem-solving by generating solutions and priorities for actions. Eleven sessions of NGT were 
conducted to identify potential alternatives and expectations of local communities. The NGT process 
involved an individual reflection about the nominal question followed by group discussion & 
clarification of ideas, and concluded with individual voting and ranking resulting in prioritized ideas. 
The NGT as a participatory method promoted participation and inclusion of all participants through 
the above listed steps whereby ideas from each participant were recorded and considered in the 
voting thus reducing the domination of influential people. Its use provided with opportunities to 
explore various viewpoints and stakeholder preferences concerning alternatives to the current 
exploitation of mangrove resources.  
 
Preliminary findings that will be presented include the use of mangrove resources by communities 
living in Sokone and surrounding villages. Prioritized income-generating activities collected in NGT 
sessions will also be presented. 
 
Keywords: mangrove; sustainable mangrove management; Nominal Group Technique; Sine-Saloum 
Delta  


Assessment of stakeholders' perceptions and expectations regarding alternative livelihoods in support of sustainable mangrove management in Senegal

http://www.vliz.be/imisdocs/publications/311663.pdf

Assessment of stakeholders' perceptions and expectations regarding alternative livelihoods in support of sustainable mangrove management in Senegal

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