Livelihoods and Vulnerabilities of Small-Scale Fishers to the Impacts of Climate Variability and Change: Insights from the Coastal Areas of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study identifies the livelihood characteristics of small-scale fishers and how their livelihoods become affected through climate change-induced events, based on fieldwork in four fishing communities in lower Padma hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) sanctuaries. To collect empirical data, several qualitative tools were employed, such as individual interviews, focus group discussions, oral history, and key informant interviews. A conceptual framework named Sustainable Livelihood Approaches (SLA) was used to analyze the data. The insights of the livelihood and climate vulnerability of small-scale fishers and fisheries management were addressed. The factors related to climate change included fluctuation of temperature and rainfall, frequent natural calamities, tidal inundation and outbreak of diseases. In addition, river pollution, alteration of migratory routes, poverty, malnutrition, debt cycle, social tension, stakeholder conflicts and lack of alternative earning flexibility made them more vulnerable. The current findings, derived from fishers' perceptions, are crucial for sanctuary's co-management, biodiversity conservation, planning and development of livelihoods of the small-scale fishers.