Climate Change and Variability Impacts on Sub-Saharan African Fisheries: A Review

Abstract

Abstract Fisheries in Sub-Saharan Africa are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which include changes in mean temperature, increasing rainfall variability and the occurrence of extreme weather events. This article reviews evidence on the magnitude of climate change and the nature of its impacts on both inland and marine fisheries. In addition, the review also focuses on the impacts of climate change on fishery-dependent communities and finally highlights climate change adaptation strategies adopted by fishers. A systematic approach was employed to search and select relevant published literature used in this review paper. The reviewed literature indicated the challenge of declining fish catches in several fishing communities, which was associated with climate change and variability. Changes in mean temperature, rainfall quantities and patterns, sea-level changes, water salinity, and lake levels affect fish productivity. Fishers in sub-Saharan Africa adopt different strategies to sustain their livelihoods and food security, which are being threatened by climate change. Adaptation strategies employed by fishers to cope with the impacts of climate change include, changing fishing gear, migration, targeting new species, and increasing fishing grounds and time spent fishing. To promote socio-ecological adaptation and fisheries sustainability, it is crucial to understand the impacts of climate change at a local level, which would inform policy and fisheries management practices.