Examining Climate Change Effects on the Youth in Artisanal Fishing: A Case Study of Ghana.

Abstract

The fisheries sector is significant for the development of a state. It sustains the livelihood of millions of people and provides food security and income security. However, Climate Change threatens the livelihood of many people in this sector. Focusing on the youth in artisanal fishing, this study uses Emisano, a town in the Central region of Ghana as a case study. This research sought to examine the vulnerability of the Ghanaian youth to Climate Change and what they perceive of Climate Change; examined the influence of Climate Change on the socio-economic livelihoods of the youth involved in artisanal fisheries; and assessed the effectiveness of measures being employed by the government and NGOs to mitigate the effects of Climate Change. The research employed the qualitative research design using primary (interviews) and secondary data sources. The research found that Climate Change presents a myriad of challenges to artisanal fishermen including low fish catch, revenue loss, food insecurity, and worse of it all death. Artisanal fishermen must adapt to these challenges to sustain their livelihoods. However, this study found that most of the measures they employ were not sustainable. We also found that state and non-state actors have put measures such as sensitization activities, access to loans, giving out of fishnets, and fuel subsidies. These measures are perceived by the fishermen to be ineffective due to inadequate information flow and inconsistency of interventions. The study recommended that the Ministry of Communication, Fisheries Commission, and NGOs in the sector should organize more educational activities to educate more youth fishermen on the impact of Climate Change on artisanal fishing. Additionally, to reduce the impact fishers can be equipped with employment skills in other areas to have second jobs. They can also be taught fish farming to help the fishers have fish all year round.