The Effect of Climate Change on the Livelihood of Small-Scale Fishing Communities: A Model of the Inland Water Area in The Northern Region of Malaysia

• Main Authors: Abdul Ghani, Ahmad Bashawir, Othman, Muhammad Fuad, Islam, Md Rabiul, Kaur, Manvender, Dharfizi, Awang Dzul Hashriq
• Format: Monograph
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Utara Malaysia 2022
• Subjects: GB Physical geography
• Online Access: https://repo.uum.edu.my/id/eprint/29326/1/14350.pdf; https://repo.uum.edu.my/id/eprint/29326/

Inland open water small scale fishing (SSF) populations are among the most vulnerable groups in Malaysia's northern area. Furthermore, fishing activities may aid in nutrition and food security, poverty reduction, and the maintenance of a sustainable lifestyle. Scholars, however, do not appreciate their work, either domestically or worldwide. Using two livelihood risk indexes, this research looked at the effect of climate change on small-scale fishing communities in Malaysia's northern area. Using the 'Livelihood Vulnerability Index' (LVI) approach first, and then the 'IPCC Vulnerability Framework Approach' method second (LVI-IPCC method). The study's major goals are to determine the degree of Climatic Exposure, Sensitivity, and Adaptive Capacity, as well as to analyze the vulnerability status of small-scale fishing communities in Malaysia's inland water areas. Data on SSF households from three states in Malaysia's northern area, namely Kedah, Penang, and Perlis, were randomly gathered in order to meet the study goals. A total of 352 SSF families were contacted for an interview. According to the findings of the LVI and LVI-IPCC analyses, the SSFs in Perlis were more vulnerable than those in Kedah and Penang. Aside from that, the SSFs face a variety of pressures, including food insecurity, cash shortages, chronic illness, unsafe water supply, physical asset insufficiency, lack of access to cash, inability to receive early warning systems on impending disasters, and a lack of involvement in social networking, according to this study. The government must take steps to enhance the quality of life for SSF communities, including adjustments to diet strategy, healthiness facilities, casual standing services, training, and the development of more effective early warning systems.