Mobilising adaptive capacity to multiple stressors: Insights from small-scale coastal fisheries in the Western Region of Ghana

George Freduah; Pedro Fidelman; Timothy F Smith

doi:10.1016/j.geoforum.2018.02.026

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Mobilising adaptive capacity to multiple stressors: Insights from small-scale coastal fisheries in the Western Region of Ghana

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Mobilising adaptive capacity to multiple stressors: Insights from small-scale coastal fisheries in the Western Region of Ghana

George Freduah, Pedro Fidelman and Timothy F Smith

Geoforum, Vol.91, pp.61-72

2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2018.02.026

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Abstract

adaptive capacity

capitals

climate change

fisheries

Ghana

stressors

The processes by which adaptive capacity is mobilised in response to multiple stressors are yet to be fully understood. This study addresses this pressing research gap by drawing on the capitals framework and empirical data from small-scale coastal fisheries in the Western Region of Ghana. It employs an ethnographic approach, based on multiple sources of evidence including documents, interviews and participant observation to examine mechanisms of mobilising adaptive capacity in response to climate and non-climate stressors. Our findings suggest that responding to stressors involves mobilising sets of main-available capitals, such as local innovation, ability to improvise, new technologies, corrupt practices and belief systems (cultural capital); collective action, networks and social ties (social capital); and complaints to the government (political capital). These capitals were the main constituents of adaptive capacity, particularly considering non-responsive government and formal organisations. Further, other forms of capitals, i.e., local leadership, local knowledge, learning capacity, and training (human capital); networks, collective actions, associations and bonding ties (social capital); sand (natural capital); funds from fishing (financial capital), combine in complex ways to mobilise such available capitals. This understanding is critical if synergies among main-available and supporting-available capitals are to support building and mobilizing adaptive capacity. Further, it may help guide important decisions, proactive plans and strategic investment for developing key capitals to enhance adaptive capacity. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd

Details

Title: Mobilising adaptive capacity to multiple stressors: Insights from small-scale coastal fisheries in the Western Region of Ghana
Authors: George Freduah (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Pedro Fidelman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Timothy F Smith (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Publication details: Geoforum, Vol.91, pp.61-72
Publisher: Pergamon
Date published: 2018
DOI: 10.1016/j.geoforum.2018.02.026
ISSN: 0016-7185
Copyright note: Copyright © 2018. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Organisation Unit: School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450884802621
Output Type: Journal article