Perceived effects of climate change on aquaculture production in Zambia: status, vulnerability factors, and adaptation strategies

作者：Sahya Maulu, Oliver J. Hasimuna, Moses Chibesa, Ian Bbole, Joseph Mphande, Mazuba Mwanachingwala, Kundananji Nawanzi, Doubt Chibeya, Sillah Siavwapa, Joyce Mbewe, Lucy Namukonda, Friday Balungu, Inyambo Mumbula, Mwangala Kabika, Shimbetu Mweemba, Mwaanda Sikanyenyene, Enock Siankwilimba, Imikendu Imbwae, Hansel Maimbolwa Mweetwa · 发表于：Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.3389/fsufs.2024.1348984 · 被引用次数：24 · 研究领域：Marine Bivalve and Aquaculture Studies、Marine and fisheries research、Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies

Aquaculture plays a critical role in Zambia's food and nutrition security. However, aquaculture is highly vulnerable to the effects of a changing climate which can lead to economic losses, and food and nutrition insecurity. In this study, we investigated the perceived effects of climate change on aquaculture production in Zambia, vulnerability factors, and adaptation strategies. We used semi-structured and structured questionnaires to collect data from aquaculture producers in all provinces across the country. Results revealed high (over 80%) awareness of climate change, primarily attributed to literacy levels and access to media. Producers perceived occurrence of climate-related changes such as rising temperature, altered rainfall patterns, cyclones frequency, and disease outbreaks, impacting production costs. Generally, the results indicate a high to medium perception of rising temperature and increased frequency of flooding and droughts across the country. Although rising temperature did not appear to affect aquaculture production cost, the frequency of droughts, floods, cyclones, and disease outbreaks showed a significant association with production costs. Identified vulnerability factors include reliance on a limited range of fish species, absence of insurance coverage, and low adoption of adaptation practices. Vulnerability levels vary across regions, with provinces in agroecological zone I (Eastern, Lusaka, Southern, and Western) showing higher vulnerability. Despite t...