Impact of Community-Based Natural Resource Management on Juvenile Fisheries in Lake Victoria, Tanzania,

Juvenile fisheries in Lake Victoria, Tanzania have faced significant challenges due to overfishing and environmental degradation. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from fishery surveys and qualitative insights from interviews with community members and local authorities was employed to evaluate the impact of CBNRM on juvenile fisheries in Lake Victoria over a three-year period. Fish biomass increased by an average of 15% in areas where CBNRM programmes were implemented, compared to no change in traditional management zones. Community engagement and sustainable resource use were key factors contributing to this positive outcome. CBNRM programmes appear effective in enhancing juvenile fish populations in Lake Victoria, demonstrating the potential for community-led conservation efforts in managing natural resources sustainably. Further research should be conducted to validate these findings across different regions and over longer periods. Policy recommendations include increased investment in CBNRM initiatives and improved coordination between local authorities and communities. Lake Victoria, Juvenile Fisheries, Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM), Sustainable Development