dc.description.abstract | This research paper examines the impact of climate change on fishery- based livelihoods
around Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha has been the main source of livelihood for people
living around it although in the recent years, effects of climate change have been
experienced. It has been argued by fishing communities around Lake Naivasha that
economic activities and food security, to a greater extent, has been adversely affected by
changes in weather patterns. This is experienced in form of declining fish quantities and
ever changing water patterns. The study endeavoured to examine, the fishing community
perception on climate change, examined the impact of climate change on Lake Naivasha
fish quantity and finally examined how communities are adopting to climate change. The
research study employed a descriptive survey design which is concerned with generalized
statistics that result when data is obtained from the respondents. The researcher used
questionnaires, focus group discussions, interviews and observation to collect data. With
a target population of 150 simple random sampling was used to collect data from
respondents in these categories namely; Fishermen, Boat owners, Transporters and Fish
mongers totaling to 90 respondents. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package of
Social Sciences (SPSS). Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis was used to
analyze the data. The findings were presented through descriptive statistics by use of
frequencies, tables, graphs and pie-charts. The analysis was on the impact of climate
change on fishery-based livelihoods around Lake Naivasha. After the study it came out
clearly that more than half of respondents had knowledge on climate change and its
effects. The findings showed that communities suffer from escalating lose from climate
change. These included reduced income, bad debts and low job opportunities for fishing
crew. They blamed the declining fish catch on climate change. Fish quantities have
declined due to climate change. Although communities are trying to adapt to climate
changes through various means including fish farming and afforestation, many of them
lack enough capital for installation of various adaptation strategies. The study findings
clearly indicated that climate change has had a great impact to the fishing communities
surrounding the lake. The study recommends that there is need for a clear policy on
climate change adaptation by both County and Central Governments. Protection of the
catchment areas and protecting the riparian habitat (the papyrus) where fish breeds should
be enhanced. Based on recommendations the study proposes that similar studies should
be carried out to focus more on climate change adaptation strategies. | en_US |