Authors:
Omar A. Bah, Tidiani Kone
, Sidat Yaffa
, Mamma Sawaneh
, Daouda Kone
|
Abstract:
Government departments, nongovernmental organizations and generally the local people in the
Gambia have little access to climate projections and therefore little understanding of the
uncertainties surrounding freshwater climate change impacts and adaptations. This study
examines the fisher's perceptions of climate change on freshwater fisheries and the role of these
systems in their adaptation strategy in Central River Region of The Gambia. This was achieved
through the application of mixed method qualitative and quantitative research. A sample of 70
fishermen were selected through multiphase sampling in six villages of five districts in Central
River Region. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using structured questionnaires. The data
was analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency counts and percentages. The
research showed that unpredictable rainfall, increased winds, increased temperature, drought and
flood were the main climate effects experienced by the respondents. Some of the challenges
faced by these fishermen includes increasing risk and uncertainties in fishing, reduction in fish
catch, bad fishing methods by some foreign fishermen, lack of storage facilities for their fish
stock and high mortality of fish. This leads to low income and productivity and food insecurity
for the rural poor. Fishermen have therefore as an adaptive measures resulted to changing fishing
methods, increasing fishing zones, shifting to other resources and livelihoods diversification as
responses to climate change effects. Lack of proper and regular information, poor marketing
facilities, poverty and limited research were the common constraints faced by the fishermen to
response to climate change effects. Therefore more government supports in terms of fishing boats and machines and reliable information are necessary measures of adaptation recommended
to improve information and knowledge through community reach programme by government to
ensure sustainable fishing behavior among fishermen. |
