A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences of Fishermen about the Climate Change in Panabo City

Abstract

Climate change has emerged as a crucial worldwide concern affecting a wide range of sectors, and coastal communities in particular face special challenges due to their reliance on marine resources. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to investigate the lived experiences of fishermen in Panabo City, a coastal town in the Philippines, with regard to the consequences of climate change on their livelihoods and way of life. The study investigates fishermen’s resilience and efforts to seek other livelihood options in the face of climate uncertainty. Participants emphasize the importance of better assistance and interventions from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders in order to develop adaptive capacity and foster community resilience. Six participants were interviewed in depth, and the data was recorded. Thematic analysis was employed in analyzing the data. The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for increased environmental awareness among fishermen in Panabo City. This study contributes to the broader discourse on climate resilience and community adaptation in coastal regions by examining fishermen’s lived experiences in the context of climate change.