Resource-Use Conflicts in the Bamboung Marine Protected Area (Fatick, Senegal)

Abstract

Against a backdrop of restrictions on the exploitation of fishery resources in the Bamboung Marine Protected Area (BMPA) established in village territories, this study analyses the characterisation of conflicts between the various stakeholders around this Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Senegal. The methodological approach consisted of semi-structured surveys of specific socio-professional categories and local administrative services, and the surveys were carried out on a sample of 100 people. The surveys focused on the socio-economic structure of the respondents and the relationships that exist between these different groups of players, the players involved in the governance of natural resources in the area, the types of conflicts that exist and the methods used to resolve them around the BMPA. The results showed a predominance of fishermen (35%) and women processors (29%) in the study area. The devastation of food crops (33%) and land conflict (22%) are the most important sources of conflict over natural resources, according to surveys. This devastation of crops is mainly caused by wildlife, and the main wildlife species responsible for the damage are monkeys, granivorous birds, baboons and warthogs. The spatial distribution of these species varied significantly between villages (p-value < 0.001). The study also revealed that 49% of women were completely unaware of the process for selecting members of the management committee, while 51% of men felt that there was no transparency in the process. In addition, 40% of the conflicts surrounding the management committee were linked to noncollegial decision-making, with the chairman often imposing decisions without prior consultation of committee members, and 22% of respondents complained of poor distribution of the resources generated by the management of the Keur Bamboung camp. The dispute resolution body most often called upon was the traditional authority in the villages, demonstrating the effectiveness of this body as a means of regulation. However, conflicts relating to land and wildlife remain unresolved sources of conflict in the area. These results underline the need to strengthen the power of local authorities to deal more effectively with these conflicts surrounding the BMPA.