Climate change poses significant challenges to Liberia’s small-scale fisheries, a vital sector that contributes 10% to the national GDP and provides over 50% of the population’s animal protein. These fisheries are increasingly at risk from climate-related threats such as rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and disruptions to fish migration patterns. However, the potential of local ecological knowledge as a resource for resilience and sustainability remains underused in formal adaptation strategies. This study examined barriers to integrating local knowledge into climate adaptation efforts, focusing on three key fishing areas: West Point, Marshall, and St. Paul Bridge. The analysis identified significant challenges in using a mixed-methods approach, which included quantitative surveys with a sample size of 384 and qualitative interviews. A lack of documentation and transfer of local knowledge was highlighted by 96% of respondents, while limited capacity-building opportunities (40%) and poor knowledge-sharing mechanisms (60%) further hinder adaptation efforts. Additionally, 78% of respondents cited livelihood loss and food insecurity as critical issues, underscoring the sector’s vulnerability to climate impacts. To address these barriers, the study recommends establishing strong documentation systems for local knowledge, encouraging inclusive knowledge-sharing platforms, and improving capacity-building initiatives. Aligning adaptation strategies with local ecological contexts is crucial for promoting resilience and sustainability in Liberia’s small-scale fisheries.
Saytarkon et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: