An Evaluation of Climate Change Effects on Fishermen and Adaption Strategies in Central Region, Ghana

Abstract

Government parastatals, nongovernmental organizations and civil societies in Ghana seem to have little access to detailed climate projections and seemingly little understanding of the uncertainties surrounding coastal climate change impacts and adaptations. The study examines climate change effects and adaption strategies of fishermen in the Central Region of Ghana. Through the application of mixed method qualitative and quantitative research, a sample of 116 fishermen were selected through multiphase sampling in three randomly selected administrative assemblies on the coast of the Central Region of Ghana. Respondents were sampled using accidental sampling technique from two randomly selected communities in each assembly. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using structured interview schedule. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics including frequency counts and percentages. The study revealed that erratic rainfall, strong wind/storm with high tides, hot sunshine and high temperatures, drought and flood and heavy precipitation were the main climate effects experienced by the respondents. The negative impacts of climate change experienced by respondents in the fishing business include increasing risk and uncertainty in fishing, fluctuation in fish and wild stock distributions, reduction in the duration of fishing seasons and high fish spoilage and mortality. These effects, the respondents opined, lead to low productivity, reduced income, food insecurity and labour emigration. The respondents have therefore resorted to changing fishing methods, seasonal migrations and livelihoods diversification as responses to the climate change effects. Under-capitalization, limited information, poor marketing systems, lack of research and extension services were the main constraints faced by the fishermen in responding to the climate change effects. More reliable, effective and accessible measures of adaptation are therefore recommended to improve information and knowledge through outreach on various platforms by stakeholders in ensuring sustainable fishing behavior among fishermen.