Social vulnerability of small scale coastal fisher’s livelihood to climate change

Fisheries support livelihood of over half a billion of people globally. Many of these people live in coastal regions of developing countries; and have limited capacity to adapt and build resilience in the face of climate change. This research assesses the biophysical and socioeconomic characteristics of fishers in four coastal communities, Komenda Elmina, Cape coast and Morree, in Ghana. Structured questionnaire based on selected indicators that serve as proxy for components of the vulnerability were administered randomly to 237 fishers through face-to-face survey. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the socio-demographic characteristics profile of fishermen and how it will affect their susceptibility to climate change. There were slight differences in the socio-demographic characteristics of the four communities, probably because of their similar physical locations and occupation. A theoretically-derived vulnerability index was used to determine their vulnerability which was based on the components of vulnerability identified from 1IPCC and capital assets identified from sustainable livelihood framework. The vulnerability index score in Morre was found to be the highest (0.64) while that of Elimina was the lowest (0.30). The size and activities in Elmina and Moree artisanal landing site did not play any role in the vulnerability of fishers in these communities rather better access to basic amenities and livelihood strategies affected their vulnerability. Since vulnerability and adaptations are highly specific to a particular people or location, this study will be used to examine the fishers’ vulnerability to climate change and to target adaptation interventions in these communities.

Keywords:

Coastal communities , Fishers , Livelihood , Vulnerability index