Pêche artisanale et développement socioéconomique de l’arrondissement de Kribi 1er

Abstract

Artisanal fishing, widely acknowledged by specialists as an effective means of ensuring food security and economic growth for coastal populations, is sector rich in potential. Developing countries such as Cameroon should capitalize on this economic activity to leverage its numerous opportunities. This study on « Pêche artisanale et développement socioéconomique de l’arrondissement de Kribi 1er »aims to highlight the significant role of fishing in the development of Kribi 1er. The hypothetical-deductive approach was employed, encompassing documentary research and fieldwork that included questionnaires, interviews, and direct observations. Data collected were processed both manually and automatically using CSPro, SPSS, and Adobe Illustrator software. The analysis reveals that artisanal fishing has social, economic, and spatial implications for the development of Kribi 1er and its surroundings. Socially, it enhances human development through leisure activities, cultural exchanges, migration, and the promotion of local culture. Economically, it generates diverse incomes and jobs, enabling numerous families to meet their essential needs. However, it does not currently offer profitability to the local municipality. Spatially, artisanal fishing is central to human mobility in Kribi 1er and other Cameroonian cities that source their fish there. The activity benefits many actors, including fishermen, fish merchants, catering services, ship owners, craftsmen, and traders. Nonetheless, artisanal fishing faces numerous organizational challenges. To address these issues, fostering synergy among various stakeholders, promoting aquaculture practices, and renovating and expanding fishing infrastructure across the coastal zone are necessary steps to enhance the profitability of this sector.