Households’ resilience capacity in the Cameroon fishing communities: case of the internally displaced and Immigrants fishermen

Abstract

The fishery sector in Cameroon serves as a vital economic pillar, providing livelihoods for thousands, including immigrants and displaced populations seeking refuge and economic stability. This study investigates the resilience capacity of fishing households across eight of Cameroon’s ten regions, examining how the sector influences their ability to withstand and adapt to shocks. Drawing on a sample of 511 fishermen and fish farmers from 25 localities, the analysis employs the Household Resilience Index (HRI) and the Resilience Measurement Technical Working Group (RMTWG) framework to assess adaptive, absorptive, and transformative capacities, offering a comprehensive understanding of resilience within fishing-dependent communities. Key findings reveal that income from fish sales significantly strengthens household resilience, particularly in marine environments, where fishing serves as the primary source of livelihood. However, in inland areas, while fishing income enhances adaptive and transformative capacities, it weakens absorptive capacity, as fishing is often a secondary economic activity for many households. Additionally, education, fishing permits, mobile money adoption, and network access play a crucial role in reinforcing resilience. The study highlights a negative relationship between fishing experience and resilience, noting the decline in resilience with age unless supplemented by alternative investments. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for sustainable fishery management, including enforcing fishing laws, regulating gear, and encouraging income diversification for inland households during off-seasons. These measures aim to enhance resilience while ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability. The findings underscore the fishery sector’s critical role in improving household livelihoods and resilience, particularly in Cameroon’s maritime zones, and call for strategic interventions to address existing disparities and challenges.