DRIVERS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN ARTISANAL FISHERIES. A CASE OF MALAWI

Abstract

This study was conducted to understand fishers’ climate change adaptation decisions in order to move climate informed policy for artisanal fisheries in developing economies forward. Data were collected from a random sample of 220 fishers in Mangochi District in Malawi. A binary probit model and a multivariate probit model were used to assess factors that affect fishers’ decision to adapt to climate change and their choice of adaptation strategies respectively. The study found that factors such as sex, education level, fishing experience, household size, fishing income, perception of catch rate trend, social capital and access to extension service corresponded in an increase in the probability of fishers adapting to impacts of climate change by increasing fishing effort, engaging in migratory fishing, investing in improved gear and livelihood diversification. The study recommends strengthening the education system in riparian communities to equip fishers with skills employable outside fishing and at the same time relive pressure off aquatic ecosystems.

Keywords

• climate change
• fisheries
• adaptation
• probit
• malawi