Using qualitative research methods to understand how climate variability impacts the livelihoods of fishermen in coastal Ghana

IF 2.2 Q3 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES Maritime Studies Pub Date : 2024-08-19 DOI:10.1007/s40152-024-00382-0
Johnson Ankrah, Ana Monteiro, Helena Madureira
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Abstract

Though climate variability research has largely focused on natural science and quantitative measures, there has been a notable shift towards using social science, including qualitative methods, to understand the impact of climate variability on coastal livelihoods. While these methods have been widely used in many coastal regions, their application in coastal Ghana remains limited. This study used qualitative methods to examine fishermen’s knowledge of climate variability and oceanic impacts on their livelihood opportunities on the central and eastern coasts of Ghana. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from 5,250 fishermen and 15 in-depth interviews were conducted with fishing group leaders. The results indicate that, while fishermen are aware of climate variability and oceanic impacts, their knowledge of city and urbanisation processes and their effects as urban climate drivers is limited. They perceived a decrease in the total annual fish catch over the last two decades as a result of overfishing and the practise of light fishing, along with climate variability. Several obstacles hinder the fishermen's activities, including high prices and shortages of premix fuel and saiko (trade in fish at sea between industrial trawlers and Ghanaian canoes). They are dissatisfied with their prevailing livelihood opportunities due to a lack of viable alternative options. The study revealed coastal livelihood initiatives to improve livelihood conditions, sustain fishermen’s activities, and improve their general well-being. There is a need for a policy initiative that prioritises providing practical training and support for fishermen to participate in additional livelihood activities such as agriculture (crops, livestock, and poultry), small business, occasional wage labour, and handicrafts. Additionally, it is important to implement a strategy that ensures an uninterrupted and direct channel of communication and distribution for premix fuel between the fishermen and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development. Thus, qualitative methods continue to be a beneficial technique for achieving coastal livelihood goals in the face of climate variability.

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利用定性研究方法了解气候多变性如何影响加纳沿海渔民的生计
虽然气候多变性研究主要侧重于自然科学和定量测量,但在利用社会科学,包括定性方法来了解气候多变性对沿海生计的影响方面,已经有了明显的转变。虽然这些方法已在许多沿海地区得到广泛应用,但在加纳沿海地区的应用仍然有限。本研究采用定性方法考察了加纳中部和东部沿海渔民对气候多变性和海洋对其谋生机会的影响的了解。研究采用半结构式访谈收集了 5250 名渔民的数据,并对渔业团体领导人进行了 15 次深入访谈。结果表明,虽然渔民意识到气候多变性和海洋影响,但他们对城市和城市化进程及其作为城市气候驱动因素的影响了解有限。他们认为,在过去二十年里,由于过度捕捞和轻度捕捞以及气候多变性,每年的总渔获量有所下降。一些障碍阻碍了渔民的活动,包括预混燃料和 saiko(工业拖网渔船和加纳独木舟之间的海上鱼类贸易)的高价和短缺。由于缺乏可行的替代选择,他们对现有的谋生机会感到不满。这项研究揭示了改善生计条件、维持渔民活动和提高其总体福利的沿海生计举措。有必要制定一项政策措施,优先为渔民提供实用培训和支持,使他们能够参与其他生计活动,如农业(农作物、牲畜和家禽)、小企业、临时雇佣劳动和手工艺品。此外,重要的是要实施一项战略,确保渔民与渔业和水产养殖发展部之间有一个不间断的直接沟通渠道和预混燃料分配渠道。因此,定性方法仍然是在气候多变的情况下实现沿海生计目标的一项有益技术。
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来源期刊
Maritime Studies
Maritime Studies ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES-
CiteScore
4.90
自引率
11.80%
发文量
37
期刊介绍: Maritime Studies is an international peer-reviewed journal on the social dimensions of coastal and marine issues throughout the world. The journal is a venue for theoretical and empirical research relevant to a wide range of academic social science disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, geography, history and political science. Space is especially given to develop academic concepts and debate. We invite original research papers, reviews and viewpoints and welcome proposals for special issues that make a distinctive contribution to contemporary discussion around maritime and coastal use, development and governance. The journal provides a rigorous but constructive review process and rapid publication, and is accessible to new researchers, including postgraduate students and early career academics.
期刊最新文献
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