Abstract
Climate change continues to pose threats to fisheries and fishery-dependent communities globally. Vulnerability to climate change is a function of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Sensitivity is largely determined by the differences in socio-economic conditions among communities, and conflicts over resources often exacerbate this sensitivity. This study aims to understand factors affecting the sensitivity to climate change. The objectives are twofold: first, to develop indicators affecting sensitivity and to determine how they affect sensitivity, second, to compare sensitivity of two small-scale fishing groups (fishing camps and fishing villages). The study used twelve indicators, which are categorized into two; the community characteristics and assets, and threats and conflicts. Results show that fishing camps are less sensitive to climate change than fishing villages since they have more varied livelihood sources, such as crop farming. This allows for more sources of income. Both groups experience conflict with other lake users and wildlife attacks, which amplify their sensitivity through the reduction of fishing grounds and the damaging of fishing gear. It also shows that both climate and non-climate factors affect sensitivity, and understanding this can help to increase adaptive capacity. The findings allow for formulation of policy recommendations to help strengthen the livelihoods of small-scale fisheries.
Highlights
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) guidelines for securing sustainable small-scale fisheries (SSF), SSF are described as “artisanal, characterized by low technology, low capital and fishing practices that are undertaken by individual households and not companies
The fishing villages are in communal areas and are regulated by the Rural District Councils (RDCs) through block permits that are received from Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) as part of the co-management requirements
This sub-section summarizes the findings from the evaluation of community characteristics and livelihood assets and how they differ between the two groups of SSF in Lake Kariba
Summary
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) guidelines for securing sustainable small-scale fisheries (SSF), SSF are described as “artisanal, characterized by low technology, low capital and fishing practices that are undertaken by individual households and not companies They tend to be firmly rooted in local communities, traditions and values” [1]. Increased frequency in wind and storm activity, together with extreme weather events, will affect the productivity, distribution, and abundance of fish species [13] These changes pose risks to human well-being, assets, and processes throughout the fisheries production chain [14,15], leading to increased economic challenges and missed developmental opportunities for fisheries-dependent communities [16]
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