Title: The impact of coastal community action fund on the livelihoods of artisanal fishers in coastal areas of Tanzania

Coastal communities in Tanzania are characterized by high level of poverty that in-turn compromises the sustainable management of natural resources. With donor support, Tanzania government implemented Marine and Coastal Environment Management Project (MACEMP) between 2005-2011 addressing sustainable management of marine fishery resources through group focused livelihoods improvement initiatives. This study intended to assess the impact of Coastal Village Fund sub-component using livelihood indicators in three districts, Muheza, Bagamoyo and Mkuranga through a sample survey conducted in December, 2012. The results of the survey indicate that mean monthly income of the respondents improved by 49%. This translated into acquisition of motorized fishing vessels and gears, operation of bank accounts and enhanced saving culture. Meal intake improved by 38% among those who can provide three meals per day, with a decrease of 33% and 6% among those who could only provide two and one meal per day respectively. There was also a 75% increase among respondents who can afford costs for primary health care. Moreover, there was an increase of 16% of the respondents capable to meet costs of education with those paying school fees by installment decreasing by 27.4%. Improved income and formation of beach management units has motivated the respondents to participate in management of their fisheries resources. Given the limitations of this study, which are lack of comparison and small sample size it is not possible to associate the observed improvements to the MACEMP project alone. Further investigations on the role of other external factors are suggested.