Impact of climate change on the fishing communities of lake Itezhi-Tezhi of Zambia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64171/JAES.6.2.74-79Keywords:
Climate change, Fishing communities, Fish catch volumes, Livelihoods, Lake Itezhi-TezhiAbstract
Climate change poses growing challenges to inland fisheries and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them. This study examined the impacts of climate change on fishing communities around Lake Itezhi-Tezhi located at latitude -15.7592 and longitude 26.0175 in Southern Zambia. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining household surveys, key informant interviews, field observations and review of secondary data. Data were collected from 51 participants drawn from fishing communities and relevant institutions, with emphasis on community perceptions of rainfall patterns, lake water levels, fish catch volumes and associated socio-economic effects over the period 2015 to 2025.The results show that most respondents perceived noticeable changes in rainfall patterns and lake water levels, with 82 percent reporting changes in rainfall and 78 percent observing changes in water levels in the lake. Perceptions of fish catch trends indicated a general decline, as the majority of respondents (86%) reported reduced catches over the past decade, although a small proportion of 8% perceived stability or improvement. These environmental changes were associated with declining income from fishing and increased food insecurity among fishing households where 74% of participants report decline in fisher men income. The findings highlight the vulnerability of artisanal fishing communities to climate variability and environmental change, while also underscoring the value of local knowledge in understanding climate impacts. The study emphasizes the need for integrated climate adaptation strategies, improved fisheries management and livelihood diversification to strengthen community resilience around Lake Itezhi-Tezhi.
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