Abstract
This study develops and analyses a conflict resolution model surrounding the rejection of a climate-smart fisheries technologies project in Chipala village, Nkhotakota district, Malawi. Solar tent driers and improved smoking kilns were introduced by the SEED Fish project in Chipala and Vinthenga villages. However, the technologies are not in use in Chipala due to conflicts among the different stakeholders involved. Qualitative approaches were used to collect and analyse data from different stakeholders within the district’s decentralised structures. The targeted participants were involved in the planning and implementation of the SEED Fish project. The community scorecard (CSC) is an accountability tool used between service providers and service users and was adapted as a conflict resolution model to facilitate discussions on the roles that different stakeholders played in the run – up to the failure of the project. The resolution, in form of an action plan between the two parties, was made to discuss how the conflicts could have been avoided by jointly designing an ideal project plan that would ensure adoption and sustainable use of the technologies. This study concludes that there was need to incorporate social-cultural and social-political factors in planning and implementation, for it is the failure to incorporate these factors that led to and perpetuated existing conflicts in the study area. The recognition and involvement of fish processors was appreciated by the community and implementers as central for the success of such innovations and avoiding conflicts. Involving and reinforcing of decentralised structures not only reduces the risk of conflict but also contributes to the success of co-management of natural resources. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of how to resolve conflicts while contributing towards good governance and sustainable development processes.
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Kayamba-Phiri, F.W., Limuwa, M.M., Storebakken, T. (2020). Of ‘White Elephant’ in Fisheries: A Conflict Resolution Model Around the Usage of Climate-Smart Fish Postharvest Technologies in Lake Malawi. In: Singh, B., Safalaoh, A., Amuri, N., Eik, L., Sitaula, B., Lal, R. (eds) Climate Impacts on Agricultural and Natural Resource Sustainability in Africa. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37537-9_19
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