Patron-Client Relationships and Transformative Capacity: A Case Study of Bajau Fishers in Wakatobi, Indonesia's Response to Climate Change

Abstract

In the absence of formal governance, the patron-client relationships have become a common internal dynamic among tropical -shing communities. Earlier research examined the numerous bene-ts exchanged between -shers and patrons, as well as their socioeconomic and environmental implications. Most of the research, however, emphasized a placebased perspective that focused on middlemen as the key patrons and only revealed the importance of relationships in -sheries and disaster management. This study explores the potential role of diverse patron-client relationships in the transformative capacity of Sama-Bajau -shers to the impacts and risks of climate change. Wangi-Wangi Island of Wakatobi was selected as the site of an exploratory qualitative case study involving 14 -shers and six different patrons living in and outside the locality of the -shers. The study collected and analysed data through in-depth interviews, informal conversations, -eld observation, and secondary sources. Findings indicate that -shers who collaborate with a variety of patrons residing within and outside their localities can reduce power disparities in their -shing activities. As a result, they could develop a transformative capacity to manage the impacts and potential risks of climate change. Future research should examine diverse patrons' role in developing the social resilience of -shing individuals, households, and communities.