Socioeconomic Researcher KMFRI – Socio-Economics Department Sustainable Community Development Alternative Livelihoods • Gender Roles • Poverty Alleviation • Blue Economy Current Research Focus Dynamics and sustainability of fishing communities – socioeconomic aspects of marine and aquatic resources, sustainable development of coastal communities, promoting alternative livelihoods to ease pressure on marine ecosystems while improving economic status. Academic Qualifications MSc Student – Development Studies Bachelors of Development Studies Post Graduate Certificate – Sustainable Development of Coastal Communities (CIHEAM Bari, Italy) Technical Skills & Training Data Analysis: SPSS, STATA, Excel, QGIS Scientific Research Paper Writing & Science Communication – ILRI, Nairobi Community Participatory Approach • Needs Assessment • Consultation Processes • Project Management | Leadership Focus: Advancing sustainable development of coastal communities, promoting alternative livelihoods, and integrating socioeconomic perspectives into marine resource management for food security and community wellbeing. Ms. Faith Kimanga is a Socioeconomic Researcher at KMFRI with a background in sustainable community development studies. She is passionate about the dynamics and sustainability of fishing communities in reference to the socioeconomic aspects of marine and aquatic resources. Her research focuses on the sustainable development of coastal communities, promoting alternative livelihoods to ease pressure on marine ecosystems while improving the economic status of the community. In addition, she focuses on gender roles, poverty alleviation, and the socio-economic wellbeing of communities dependent on aquatic and marine resources. Correspondingly, Ms. Kimanga's interest focuses on attitudes and perceptions of the community towards sustainable utilization of marine and aquatic resources, in return spurring food security, diverse livelihoods, and sustainable utilization of resources in the coastal region of Kenya. Research Interests & Specializations Resource Use Patterns Perceptions on Marine Resource Management Community-Based Conservation Alternative Livelihoods Gender Roles & Poverty Alleviation Food Security & Sustainable Utilization Key Research Projects & Achievements
Methodological Expertise Socioeconomic Data Collection & Analysis – Extensive hands-on experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection using SPSS, STATA, and Excel for analysis of resource use patterns, livelihoods, and community perceptions. Community Participatory Approaches – Proficient in community needs assessments, consultation processes, and participatory research methods that center local voices and knowledge. Project Management – Skilled in designing, implementing, and managing socioeconomic research projects from conception to dissemination of findings to stakeholders and policymakers. Ms. Faith Kimanga's research within KMFRI's Socio-Economics Department brings essential community development perspectives to marine resource management – strengthening the Institute's capacity to understand the dynamics of fishing communities, promote alternative livelihoods that ease pressure on marine ecosystems, integrate gender and poverty considerations into policy, and ensure that coastal communities are active participants in the sustainable utilization of Kenya's aquatic and marine resources for food security and economic wellbeing. |