The perceived impact of customary marine resource management on household and community welfare in northern Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

This article examines the influence of socioeconomic factors on the perceived success of customary management systems in Indonesia. We test the hypothesis that socioeconomic conditions will differ between fishermen who perceive the system has positive impacts on household and community well-being compared to those with negative or neutral perceptions. We found out that a majority of respondents think that this system is beneficial. The socioeconomic conditions that are related to the different perceptions are wealth, local participation in resource management, level of trust, and involvement in community events.