Perception of fishing communities on climate change, fish catch fluctuations and coping strategies: Karonga district, Malawi

Abstract

Perception of climate change is crucial in shaping communities' responses to climate risks and adaptation strategies. Therefore, this study examined fishing communities’ perception of climate change, fish catch fluctuations, and coping strategies in Karonga District. Primary data was collected from fishers, local conservation groups, and village management structures using a household survey, focus group discussion, and key informant interviews. A total of 311 fisher households were purposively sampled. Secondary data on meteorological variables and fish catches over the past three decades were analyzed to validate fishers' perceptions. Data analysis, including binary logit model and Pearson correlation, was conducted using SPSS version 26, with descriptive statistics in Excel 2019. Results showed that 97% of fishers were aware of climate change, and 90% had experienced extreme climate events. Time series data aligned with perceptions of rising temperatures but contradicted perceptions of decreased rainfall. Respondents (95%) acknowledged that climate change impacted fisheries production, reporting the scarcity of historically abundant species such as Copadichromis spp., Opsaridium microlepis, and Oreochromis karongae. There was a negative relationship between temperature and fish catch (r = -0.34, p < 0.005, n = 68) and a positive relationship between rainfall and catch (r = 0.33, p < 0.006, n = 68). Fishers (88%) reported a decrease in fish catch and 96.5% had coping mechanisms, including income diversification, longer fishing hours, and modified gear. Access to extension workers increased the probability of fishers' adaptability. However, unsustainable coping mechanisms, such as closed-season fishing and illegal gear usage, highlight the need for more training on climate risks and sustainable adaptation. These findings provide local knowledge for policy formulation to enhance adaptive capacity and support sustainable livelihoods in Malawi.