The Impacts of Climate Variability on Livelihoods of Fisher Folk at Yeji.

Abstract

Fisheries-related livelihoods are affected by both climatic and non-climatic factors. Climate variability can play a profound role in the dwindling returns from fisheries and has impacts on socio-economic livelihoods of fisher folks. The objectives of this study were to determine evidence of rainfall and temperature changes, evaluate the effects of rainfall and temperature changes on fish catch, identify the general determinants or drivers of fish outputs at Yeji, determine the impacts of the prevailing climate on the fisheries value chain and assess the current coping and adaptive strategies of fisheries dependent households. Household surveys were conducted with 108 fishers from three fish landing sites in the Pru district in addition to in-depth interviews, key-informant interviews and focus group discussions. Historical data on fish catch, rainfall and temperature conditions were also taken from the Fisheries Department, Ghana Statistical Service, and Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet). Summary frequencies were generated from the survey data and rainfall and temperature anomalies were generated and compared to ENSO occurrences and fish catch. The qualitative data mainly textual or word-based information from in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were analyzed, and reported using boxes. The study found that rainfall, rainstorm, drought and flood events, high fishing season temperatures are climatic drivers of fish outputs while non-climatic drivers of fish catch volume include type of fishing boat, fishing experience, number of fishing gears, crew size, lack of knowledge, poor health, lack of credit, cost and irregular supply of premix fuel. The study identified two major coping and adaptation strategies. First, diversification of livelihoods includes rearing of domestic poultry, livestock rearing, crop farming, petty trading and tree planting. Second, movement of fishers across the fishing landscape in search for better fishing grounds during the lean season. The study recommends that in order to reduce risks from climate hazards on livelihoods, local policies should lessen dependence on climate sensitive alternative income sources.