Attitudes of local communities towards the invasive redclaw crayfish in Lake Kariba

Redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus (Von Martens, 1868), a rapidly spreading invasive species presents a socioeconomic conundrum for fishing dependent communities. Besides disrupting aquatic ecological system functions it offers untapped economic potential for fishing livelihoods. The study aimed to assess the perceptions of local communities and evaluate the economic benefits derived from crayfish in Lake Kariba. Quantitative household surveys ( n = 105) and qualitative key informant interviews and focus group discussion were employed, with participants drawn from littoral fishing zones. Less than 5% of respondents consumed crayfish largely due to neophobia, misinformation, and poor awareness. There is no commercial exploitation of crayfish in this lake, and they are of no nutritive and economic value to its fishing communities. Psychological barriers and informational gaps, relative to biological or economic limitations, are the primary reasons hindering utilization.