The coastline of the commune of Kafountine, an area of difficult cohabitation for seaside tourism: study of the Abéné-Kafountine axis

Abstract

The coastlines are areas where various socio-economic activities are concentrated, which can sometimes be challenging to reconcile. For instance, beach tourism necessitates pristine beaches and clean bathing waters, often conflicting with activities such as fishing and marine product processing. In this context, this article aims to analyze the impacts, on coastal tourism, of the anarchic occupation of the various socio-economic activities and suggests to the reasoned development of this area of activity. The study focused on the coastline along the Abéné-Kafountine axis in southern Senegal. We made a first diagnosis of the occupation of the coast of the Abene-Kafountine axis in order to analyze the conflicts of use and their impacts on coastal tourism. Our approach is based on a mapping of activities and a qualitative approach, through interview guides and observation. The results of the mapping of these installations show an anarchic occupation of the coast, with a centralization of the fishing quays in Kafountine and Abene and the distribution on both sides of the tourist facilities. This situation combined with a problem of development leads to the insalubrity of the beach. The results of qualitative surveys show the frustration of hoteliers and tourists who deplore the proliferation of garbage and smoke on the beach, which penalizes the tourism sector. Lastly, potential strategies are explored for fostering sustainable and collaborative management of these coastal territories.