Documenting coastal Indigenous Knowledge in Kenya to support sustainable Mariculture management: A case study of Kwale and Kilifi Counties

Indigenous Knowledge (IK) systems offer valuable insights for sustainable resource management but are often marginalized in formal mariculture policies. This study documented IK practices among mariculture communities in Kwale and Kilifi counties, Kenya, to highlight their role in sustainability and inform policy integration. Using a mixed-methods approach, including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with 29 purposively selected participants(from the selected mariculture fish farmers groups), the study identified key IK practices. These included using moon phases (Bamvua) to schedule seaweed planting and harvesting, leveraging tidal knowledge (Mawimbi) for pond management, employing bird behavior (Ndege wa Msimu) and weather signs (Mawingu) for forecasting, and utilizing local resources (Kufuma) and indigenous feeds (Tondo). Results revealed that these practices enhance ecological sustainability, reduce operational costs, and promote resource efficiency. However, challenges such as youth disengagement, regulatory barriers, and climate change threaten the transmission and application of IK. The study concludes that integrating these proven IK practices into national mariculture frameworks is essential. Recommendations include the formal recognition of IK, community-inclusive policy development, and the establishment of structured programs for intergenerational knowledge transfer to ensure the resilience and sustainability of Kenya's blue economy.