Pathway for Climate Change Adaptation Strategies through Local Knowledge by Small-Scale Fisheries in Liberia

Abstract

The small-scale fishing sector in Liberia is essential for food security, liveli-hoods, and cultural legacy, however, it is becoming increasingly susceptible to the effects of climate change. This research examines the significance of Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) in the adaptive strategies of small-scale fishing communities in West Point, Marshall, and the St. Paul River fishing zone. This research used the Theory of Planned Behavior framework to analyze the atti-tudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control affecting fishers’ adoption of climate adaptation techniques. Data were collected through cross-sectional research comprising 384 respondents and analyzed via qualita-tive and quantitative methodologies. The findings indicate that 58% of partic-ipants were male, whilst 42% were female, with 39% of both sexes lacking for-mal schooling. Climate change awareness correlates positively with education-al attainment; 74% of individuals lacking formal education are aware of climate change, but 100% of those possessing higher education are aware. Local knowledge is essential for adaptation methods, with 48% of respondents im-plementing coping mechanisms such as relocating to new fishing zones, ex-panding fishing equipment, and pursuing alternative livelihoods like agricul-ture and small-scale enterprises. The research emphasizes the implementation of various coping methods, such as alternative livelihoods and communi-ty-oriented adaptation initiatives. Although local knowledge is acknowledged, opinions regarding its efficacy in comprehensively safeguarding small-scale fisheries from climate change are varied. The study advocates for the amal-gamation of indigenous knowledge with empirical research, the enhancement of education and awareness, and the promotion of varied coping methods to foster resilience within small-scale fishing. These findings offer significant in-sights for policymakers and stakeholders in formulating comprehensive adap-tation strategies to tackle the distinct problems encountered by small-scale fisheries.