Evaluating the Impacts of Climate Variations on Fish Production in Feira Area, Luangwa District, Zambia

Fishery-based livelihoods play a crucial role in the socio-economic fabric of communities in the Feira area of Luangwa District, Zambia. However, these livelihoods are increasingly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate variations, including erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events. This study explored the complex relationship between climate variability and the sustainability of fishery-based livelihoods in the area, aiming to identify the factors that exacerbate vulnerability and potential strategies for resilience.

Using a mixed-methods approach, the research incorporated data from surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with local fishers and stakeholders. The study also highlighted the limited adaptive capacity of the community, which is constrained by inadequate financial resources, lack of access to climate information, and weak institutional support. Despite these challenges, local fishers employ coping mechanisms such as diversifying livelihoods, utilizing traditional knowledge, and engaging in community-based resource management. However, these strategies are insufficient to address the scale of the challenges posed by climate variability.

The research concludes with recommendations for enhancing resilience, including the establishment of climate-resilient infrastructure, capacity-building programs, and improved access to early warning systems and alternative livelihoods. It calls for collaborative efforts among policymakers, local authorities, and development organizations to support sustainable fishery management and strengthen the adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities.

This study contributes to the understanding of climate change impacts on fisheries and underscores the urgency of proactive measures to safeguard fishery-based livelihoods in the Feira area and similar regions.