Fisheries support livelihoods but are threatened by climate variability and change which intensified globally since the 1970s. This study used quantitative and qualitative methods to determine the extent to which fishers around Ggaba fish landing site, Lake Victoria in Uganda were copying with perceived changes in climate variables and flood impacts on their livelihoods, to generate knowledge to enable the fishers increase resilience and sustain their livelihoods. The study used the following objectives: - 1) to determine the demographic structures and livelihoods activities of fishers around Ggaba fish landing site 2) to assess the impacts of climate c h a n ge and floods on the livelihoods of people around Ggaba fishing community and 3) to find out the coping strategies used by fishing communities living around Ggaba fish landing site against climate variability and floods. The data obtained was analyzed using Microsoft excel version 13.0 to output statistical results and discussions. Overall results indicated that Fishers were aware of changes in climate manifested by unpredictable seasons, floods and droughts. Fishing was the main livelihood activity of the people around Ggaba fish landing site. The African catfish had replaced Nile tilapia as the dominant fish species in the local market at Ggaba. There was damage and loss of gear, boats, landing sites and lives, and changes in fish catches and sizes, income and fish consumption during the perceived floods and droughts. The fishers adapted to the changes through increasing time on fishing grounds and changing target species and fishing gears but innovative ones diversified to high value crops and livestock which increased their income beyond what was earned from fishing thus acting as an incentive for some of them to quit fishing. Diversification to non-fishery activities as a form of adaptation was enhanced by membership to social groups, weekly fishing days, fishing experience and age of fishers, but its benefits were not equally shared among men and women. Mitigation measures suggested included protecting the surrounding wetlands or water catchment zones. Adaptation and mitigation measures were constrained by limited credit, awareness and land.
In conclusion, the required interventions included improving access to credit, irrigation facilities and raising awareness. The study showed that the fishers were aware of changes in climatic variables and the impacts on their livelihoods. [...]
Table of Contents
1. CHAPTER ONE
1. INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Problem statement
1.3 Objectives of the study
1.3.1 General objective
1.3.2 Specific objectives
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Significance of the Study
1.6 The scope of the study
1.6.1 Geographical and Content scope
1.6.2 Time scope
The study was carried out within one month of September, 2021.
2. CHAPTER TWO
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
1.0 Introduction
2.1 Demographic Composition of Fisher Communities
2.1.1 Characteristics of fisher communities
2.1.2 Fishing Communities and their Socio-economic Livelihoods
2.2 Climate variability and community impacts
2.3 Effect of Climate change and Floods on Fishing Communities
2.3.1 on Lake Victoria
2.3.2 Hydrological cycle and rainfall patterns
2.3.3 Water temperature
2.3.4 Oxygen content
2.3.5 Sea level
2.3.6 Impacts on coastal systems
2.3.7 Impacts on livelihood assets
2.3.7.1 Impacts on natural capital
2.3.7.2 Impacts on physical capital
2.3.7.3 Impacts on social capital
2.3.7.4 Impacts on financial capital
2.3.7.5 Impacts on human capital
2.4 Coping Mechanisms/Mitigation measures of impacts climate change by fishers
3. CHAPTER THREE
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Location of the study area and population
Fig.2: Location of the study area (Ggaba landing site on Lake Victoria): Earth Explorer 2021.
3.3 Sample Size determination
3.4 Sampling Procedure and study Population
3.5 Data collection Instruments/Tools
3.6 Data Analysis
4. CHAPTER FOUR
4. PRESENTATION OF RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Results
4.1.1 Demographic structures and livelihood activities of Fishers around Ggaba fish landing site
4.1.1.1 Demographic structures
4.1.1.2 Livelihood Activities
4.1.2 Impacts of Climate Change and Fishers’ perceptions of climate change.
4.1.3 Coping strategies/Adaptation measures and Innovations .using by fishing community at Ggaba fish landing site.
4.1.3.1 Strategies/ Adaptation measures
4.1.3.2 Innovations and their benefits to both men and women
4.1.3.3 The influence of demographic characteristics on diversification
4.2 Discussions of Results
4.2.2 Perception of fishers to climate variability and change
4.2.4 Adaptation, innovations and mitigation strategies
4.2.5 The influence of demographic characteristics on diversification to non-fishery livelihoods
5. CHAPTER FIVE
5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Introduction
5.1 Conclusions
5.2 Recommendations
5.2.1 Demographic structures of the people on Ggaba fish landing site
5.2.2 Activities on Ggaba fish landing site
5.2.3 Knowledge and adaptation to climate change extreme events of floods and droughts
5.2.4 Diversification of activities and way forward
Research Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this study is to determine the extent to which the fishing community at the Ggaba fish landing site on Lake Victoria, Uganda, is coping with perceived changes in climate variables, specifically floods, and the resulting impacts on their livelihoods. The study aims to provide knowledge to help these fishers increase their resilience and sustain their livelihoods.
- Demographic structures and livelihood activities of fishers at Ggaba landing site.
- Impacts of climate change and flood events on the livelihoods of the Ggaba fishing community.
- Coping strategies and adaptation measures utilized by the fishing community against climate variability.
- Evaluation of diversification to non-fishery activities as a form of adaptation.
- Identification of constraints and recommendations for intervention to enhance climate resilience.
Extract from the Book
2.3.7.2 Impacts on physical capital
Sea-level rise, cyclones, floods and land erosion may impact on the physical capital of households or of entire communities, leading not only to decreased harvesting capacity and fisheries ancillary activities but also to disrupted public infrastructure and services. Cyclones and floods can destroy or severely damage assets and infrastructure such as fish landing sites, boats and gear (FAO, 2008). For example, in 1998 Hurricane Gilbert destroyed 90% of traps and 5% of boats of Jamaican fishers resulting in a loss of revenue and high cost of repairs.
Extreme events can also damage post-harvest and transport facilities, impacting on fish processing, marketing and trade. For instance, in 1998, Peruvian rural fishing communities were unable to access their usual markets due to disruption of road communications by heavy rain. This is particularly problematic for small-scale fishers in developing countries who usually have only limited market power. Extreme events may further damage other physical assets such as housing and community infrastructure, for example, hospitals, schools and sewage system. These can result in displacement and resettlement of households (Badjeck, et al., 2010).
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides the foundation for the study, covering the background, problem statement, research objectives, questions, significance, and scope of the study.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter reviews existing academic literature regarding demographic structures of fishing communities, climate variability impacts on fisheries, and established coping and adaptation strategies.
CHAPTER THREE: MATERIALS AND METHODS: This chapter details the research design, location, population, sample size, sampling procedures, and the specific instruments and methods used for data collection and analysis.
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION OF RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: This chapter presents the data gathered from the field, followed by an analysis and discussion of demographic structures, livelihood activities, perceived climate impacts, and adaptation effectiveness.
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This final chapter synthesizes the study's conclusions and offers evidence-based recommendations for stakeholders, policymakers, and the local community to improve resilience.
Keywords
Climate variability, Climate change, Lake Victoria, Ggaba fish landing site, Livelihoods, Adaptation, Coping mechanisms, Fisher communities, Floods, Droughts, Resilience, Livelihood diversification, Fisheries management, Uganda, Socio-economic impacts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this dissertation?
The study focuses on assessing how fishing communities living around the Ggaba fish landing site on Lake Victoria, Uganda, perceive and cope with the impacts of climate variability and extreme events like floods and droughts.
What are the primary themes investigated in the study?
The primary themes include the demographic characteristics of the fishers, the socioeconomic impacts of climate-induced events on their livelihoods, and the various adaptation strategies they employ to remain resilient.
What is the central research question?
The research seeks to determine the extent to which the fishing community at Ggaba is coping with perceived changes in climate variables and how these changes impact their means of survival.
Which scientific methodology was utilized?
The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining a structured survey research design for quantitative data collection with a qualitative design to capture in-depth views and community perceptions.
What subjects are covered in the main body of the research?
The main body covers a comprehensive literature review, the specific methodologies applied, the presentation of survey and climate data results, and a critical discussion of these results regarding adaptation, innovation, and demographic influences.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include climate variability, Lake Victoria, Ggaba landing site, livelihood diversification, adaptation strategies, and fisher community resilience.
How does the study explain the decline of Nile tilapia in the region?
The study links the decline of Nile tilapia to reduced lake levels, which have created unfavorable habitat conditions, increased overcrowding, and competition for breeding areas, favoring the more resilient African catfish.
What role does livelihood diversification play for the fishers?
Diversification is identified as a crucial adaptation measure; however, the study finds that it is often constrained by limited land, lack of alternative employment, and social dynamics, highlighting a need for better support systems.
What specific interventions does the author recommend for the Ggaba community?
The author recommends improving access to credit, promoting low-cost water harvesting, wood fuel-saving technologies, and raising awareness about the benefits of diversifying into non-fishery activities.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Roman Barasa (Autor:in), 2022, Coping Mechanisms and Adaptation to Climate Variability and Floods among Communities Living around Ggaba Fish Landing Site Kampala, Uganda, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1168047
