Nature’s Contributions in Coastal Kenya

Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP) are fundamental to human well-being, yet they remain insufficiently integrated into development planning and policy. This study assessed the contributions of coastal and marine ecosystems to human well-being and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in three coastal communities of Kilifi County, Kenya: Kilifi, Kuruwitu, and Takaungu. Using the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) NCP framework, the study applied a mixed-methods approach to evaluate socio-demographic characteristics, material and non-material ecosystem contributions, ecosystem service values, and their links to SDGs. Data were collected from 378 households between May and September 2022 through household surveys, interviews, and observations. Analyses included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, content analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), factor analysis, and cluster analysis. Results showed that coastal communities strongly depend on ecosystems for food, income, energy, medicine, recreation, and cultural identity. Fishing and small-scale farming were key livelihood activities, while firewood remained the dominant household energy source. Traditional medicine and spiritual attachment to oceans and Kaya forests highlighted the importance of indigenous knowledge and cultural ecosystem services. PCA and cluster analyses revealed socio-economic disparities across sites, with Kilifi showing higher modernization indicators, while Kuruwitu and Takaungu exhibited stronger reliance on natural-resource-based livelihoods. The findings demonstrate that coastal ecosystems significantly contribute to SDGs related to poverty reduction, health, education, clean energy, and sustainable livelihoods. The study recommends integrating NCP into coastal planning, promoting sustainable resource management, supporting clean energy alternatives, and strengthening community-based conservation initiatives to enhance ecosystem resilience and human well-being in coastal Kenya.