16/09/2026
From 2–9 September 2026, the KZN team was in Kosi Bay conducting Participatory Action Research (PAR) with fishing communities.
The week created space for meaningful conversations and shared-learning around agroecological practices the changing relationship between communities and marine and coastal ecosystems. Through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory exercises, we explored the threats facing agroecological practices, the value and recognition of fishers.
Fisherfolks also reflected on how communities have traditionally worked with nature, how these practices have changed over time, and the factors driving those changes. Participatory tools such as seasonal calendars helped document local knowledge on fish species and their seasonal availability, uses and preparation methods, weather patterns, and associated coastal risks. Discussions also examined who controls natural resources, who has access, who benefits, and who may be left out or experience losses.
On 10 September 2026, the team continued this work through a regional meeting in uMthwalume, bringing together communities from Mgababa and uMthwalume to share experiences, reflections, and perspectives on co-management, oil and gas developments, local and regional advocacy strategies as well as the revival of coastal links.
These engagements remind us that PAR is not simply about collecting information it is about creating spaces where local knowledge, lived experiences, and community priorities can shape understanding and trigger action.
