https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2706-9010
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Abstract
Climate change poses serious risks to coastal livelihoods and marine ecosystems. Ghana’s artisanal fisheries sector is vital for food security and employment, yet fisherfolk’s climate adaptation awareness remains understudied. The mixed research methodologies were adopted in this study. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 800 consenting adult fisherfolk across three coastal regions in Ghana. Structured questionnaires assessed knowledge, attitudes, and adaptation practices. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify predictors of knowledge and attitudes. The study revealed that Eighty three percent of respondents have heard about climate change with sixty four percent demonstrating having adequate knowledge. Only Forty three percent exhibited positive attitudes towards climate change adaptation and mitigation. The education level and years of experience of respondents were significant predictors. The adaptation practices included mangrove conservation reforestation and proper waste disposal standing at fifty six percent, Forty eight percent and Forty six percent respectively. The media sources and community leaders were the primary channels of climate information. Although climate awareness is relatively high, limited adaptive attitudes and practices persisted. The strengthening of education, local engagement, and community-based interventions are essential in enhancing climate change resilience within fisheries-dependent communities.
Citation: Labik PL, Owusu-Ansah T, Sallar AM (2026) Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of fisherfolk in Ghana toward climate change: A cross-sectional study. PLOS Clim 5(4): e0000813. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pclm.0000813
Editor: Maria Manez Costa, Helmholtz Centre Hereon Climate Service Center Germany: Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon GERICS - Deutsches Institut fur Klimaservices, GERMANY
Received: December 28, 2025; Accepted: March 17, 2026; Published: April 1, 2026
Copyright: © 2026 Labik et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Data Availability: All relevant data supporting the findings of this study are fully available within the manuscript.
Funding: The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.
Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
1. Introduction
Climate change is a key environmental, economic, and social concern facing mankind in the twenty-first century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) asserts that there is irrefutable evidence of global warming in the Earth’s climate system, with extensive effects noted on both natural and human systems worldwide. Global surface temperatures have risen by around 1.1°C since pre-industrial times, and if present trends continue, warming is anticipated to surpass 1.5°C over the next twenty years [1]. The ramifications for poor nations are especially grave, since populations with restricted adaptive ability face disproportionate threats to food security, livelihoods, and health.
Coastal areas are particularly susceptible to climate change, facing threats from rising sea levels, elevated sea surface temperatures, coastal erosion, and the escalation of severe weather phenomena, including storms and floods. Small-scale fisheries, supporting approximately 40 million people globally with sustenance and revenue, are significantly impacted by these alterations [1]. Fisheries in Sub-Saharan Africa play a crucial role in employment, commerce, and nutrition. Ghana, with a coastline of around 550 kilometers, has a robust artisanal fishing industry that contributes approximately 70% of the nation’s fish output and directly employs over 200,000 people. The industry further facilitates several auxiliary businesses, such as fish processing, marketing, and transportation, mostly conducted by women [2].
Although fisheries are important to Ghana’s economic and social structure, the industry has several issues exacerbated by climate change effects. These include overfishing, habitat deterioration, pollution, and inadequate governance. Notable environmental alterations in Ghana’s coastal areas include coastline erosion, diminishing fish yields, heightened unpredictability in precipitation patterns, and an increase in flooding incidents that compromise fishing infrastructure and disrupt lives [1]. Climate change exacerbates these pre-existing stresses, creating an intricate network of susceptibility that hinders poverty alleviation and sustainable development objectives.
Successful adaptation in the fisheries sector requires both technical and infrastructure advancements, as well as behavioral and social transformations influenced by the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of local populations. The KAP framework offers a valuable perspective for evaluating people’s perceptions of climate hazards, the significance they assign to adaptive behaviors, and the activities they are prepared or capable of executing. Prior research in Ghana has mostly focused on farmers’ views of climate change and agricultural adaptation measures. Research in the Northern and Upper East areas indicates that smallholder farmers are becoming more cognizant of climatic unpredictability and have implemented strategies such as altering planting schedules, diversifying crops, and using enhanced seed types [3]. Nonetheless, very little is known about fisherfolk’s comprehension of climate change and their preparedness to adapt.
International study has shown that the views and attitudes of fishing communities toward climate change are influenced by several variables, including socioeconomic position, cultural beliefs, access to knowledge, and institutional support [4]. In some circumstances, fisherfolk see climate change as an external occurrence beyond their influence, resulting in fatalistic attitudes and little proactive adaptation. In different contexts, robust community cohesiveness and the exchange of information have promoted resilience and creativity. Research in the Philippines and Indonesia indicates that the amalgamation of indigenous ecological knowledge with scientific data might improve adaptive capability and foster sustainable fisheries management [5].
Ghanaian fishermen increasingly report diminishing fish yields, changing marine environments, and erratic weather patterns during the last few decades. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of empirical research about how these lived experiences translate into quantifiable climate change knowledge and if they influence attitudes and adaptive behaviors. The degree to which fisherfolk accurately associate these environmental changes with climate change, the influence of their knowledge on their perception of risk, and their subsequent responses remain unclear. This disparity indicates a significant deficiency in the literature. Policymakers and development organizations need thorough, evidence-based data about fisherfolk’s knowledge, attitudes, and actions to formulate impactful, community-endorsed, and behavior-altering adaptation initiatives. Consequently, adaptation measures may not align with the conditions, objectives, and decision-making processes of fisherfolk, resulting in diminished success and reduced viability.
The Government of Ghana has created many policies and frameworks to tackle climate change, including the National Climate Change Policy and the National Adaptation Strategy. These materials underscore the need of fostering awareness, augmenting capacity, and advocating for community-based adaptation in at-risk sectors such as fisheries. Development partners and civil society groups have launched initiatives to assist coastal communities via education, livelihood diversification, and environmental restoration. Nonetheless, amplifying these initiatives needs an evidentiary foundation that delineates the distinct needs, difficulties, and capabilities of fisherfolk across various areas [6].
This research seeks to address this deficiency by methodically evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of fisherfolk in designated coastal villages in Ghana. The research aims to find leverage areas for targeted interventions by analyzing socio-demographic aspects related to knowledge and attitudes. The study examines the primary sources of climate change knowledge and the adaptation strategies being used by fisherfolk. These findings may guide the development of culturally relevant communication techniques, capacity-building initiatives, and policy measures to enhance adaptive capacity in the fisheries industry.
Specifically, the objectives of the study are:
- To assess the level of knowledge of climate change among fisherfolk in the Volta, Western, and Central regions of Ghana.
- To examine attitudes toward climate change mitigation and adaptation.
- To identify adaptation practices currently adopted by fisherfolk.
- To analyze socio-demographic factors associated with knowledge and attitudes.
- To recommend strategies to enhance awareness, promote positive attitudes, and strengthen adaptive practices.
By addressing these objectives, the study contributes to the broader discourse on climate change adaptation in small-scale fisheries and highlights the importance of integrating local knowledge and perspectives into policy and program design. The findings are expected to be relevant not only for Ghana but also for other countries in West Africa facing similar challenges in their fisheries-dependent communities.
2. Study area and methods
2.1 Ethics statement
Human participants were prospectively recruited between March and April 2023. Ethical approval was obtained prior to data collection from the Ethical Committee of the School of Public Service and Governance (SPSG), Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (Approval Reference: GM/IRB/2024/65; ID: GM/IRB/125/23; approval date: 19 February 2023). All procedures were conducted in accordance with the approved protocol. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants before participation. There were no minors included in the study. The questionnaire was administered to ensure confidentiality, anonymity and privacy. Each participant was assured of confidentiality and anonymity. They were informed that participation was entirely voluntary, they were at liberty to withdraw from the study at any time, they could refuse to answer some questions if they did not want to, and refusal to take part in the study or complete the questionnaire would not jeopardize the participants’ stand in the neighbourhood, continued stay in the fisherfolks community or employment.
2.2 Study area and population description
The study was carried out in three coastal areas of Ghana: Volta, Western, and Central. These locations were intentionally chosen because of their significant reliance on artisanal fisheries, their recorded vulnerability to coastal disasters, and the varied socio-economic conditions among fishing communities. The Volta Region, located in eastern Ghana, is distinguished by large lagoon systems and sandy beaches that facilitate both marine and inland fishing endeavors. Keta Municipal, a prominent fishing center in the Volta Region, has had considerable coastline erosion and intermittent floods. The Western Region, situated in the southwestern sector of the nation, has an extensive coastline with several landing beaches and seafood processing facilities. Half Assini, a designated research site, is recognized for its robust fishing sector and susceptibility to coastal storms. The Central Region, located in the south-central region, is equally dependent on fisheries and has seen significant environmental alterations in recent decades. The Gomoa West District was chosen as the research site in this area because of its vibrant fishing community and the noticeable effects of climate change.
The target demographic consisted of adult fisherfolk, including fishermen, fish processors, and merchants, who were actively involved in fisheries-related livelihoods within the designated localities. Participants must have been at least 18 years old, had a minimum of one year of experience in fishing activities, and offered informed permission to participate in the research. Both males and females were involved to get gendered viewpoints and experiences.
2.3 Methods
Quantitative methods approach was adopted. A multistage sampling methodology was used. In each chosen region, one district or municipal area was deliberately designated as the major sample unit, determined by fishing activity and accessibility. In each district, certain settlements and landing beaches were chosen at random. Due to the absence of complete listings of fisherfolk, a modified random walk approach was used. One hundred respondents were selected in each location to guarantee proportionate representation and facilitate site comparisons. The sample size was 800 respondents determined using Cochran’s formula comprising of 342 male and 458 female. This research used a descriptive cross-sectional survey approach to gather quantitative data on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of fisherfolk about climate change. A cross-sectional technique was used since it facilitates the evaluation of perceptions and actions at a particular moment and permits the discovery of relationships between variables in a cost-efficient way. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed in English and translated into Ewe, Fante, and Nzema to accommodate local languages. The translated questionnaires were pilot tested on 100 fisherfolk in a non-study community (Ada East) to assess clarity, cultural relevance, and internal consistency and validated KAP instruments. Reliability analysis yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.80 within acceptable internal consistency limits. The survey questionnaires were organized in five sections consisting of Socio-demographic characteristics, Knowledge of climate change, Attitudes toward climate change, Adaptation practices and Sources of information. These sections were individually rated using distinct codes and Likert scales accordingly (Sample questionnaire items are provided in S1 Text). Data was collected from 800 fisherfolk for six weeks. Data was coded and processed in Microsoft Excel 2019. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were computed to encapsulate the characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and habits of the respondents. Chi-square tests were used for inferential analysis to evaluate relationships between sociodemographic characteristics and levels of knowledge and attitudes. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals for Variables with significant relationships (p < 0.05). All statistical analyses were conducted using Stata version 16.0.
3. Results and discussion
3.1 Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents
There was 100% response rate of 800 respondents. with 57.3% women underscoring the significant contribution of women to fish processing and trade in Ghana’s coastal communities. The average age of respondents was 45.3 years (SD = 12.4). The predominant age group was 41–54 years, with 41.6% followed by Fisherfolk aged 18–40 years that accounted for 36.7% and those aged 55 years and above represented stood at 21.7%. Regarding educational attainment, 39.3% of respondents had no formal education, 34.0% had completed primary education, and 26.7% of the sample population had attained secondary education or higher. Most respondents representing 64% were married and 21.7% were youth while 14.3% were either widowed or divorced. In terms of occupation, 34.0% were fishermen,48.3% were fish processors, and 17.7% were engaged in ancillary activities such as canoe ownership, fish trading, or net repair. With respect to years of experience in fisheries, 35. % had worked for more than 20 years, 29.7% had worked for 11 and 20 years, and 35.3% had worked for less than 10 years indicated in Table 1.
3.2 Knowledge of climate change
82.7% respondents indicated familiarity with the phrase “climate change.” 62.7% respondents demonstrated to have adequate knowledge based on their scores. A significant majority about 78% correctly recognized deforestation as a contributor to climate change, Similarly, 66.0% of respondents identified the burning of fossil fuels as a major cause. Approximately 56.0% of fisherfolk acknowledged that climate change is partially driven by human activities, while 28.7% of respondents attributed it primarily to natural cycles or divine intervention in Table 2.
3.3 Perspectives of climate change effects
70.3% of respondents reported noticeable increases in temperature while 65.0% indicated declining fish catches, and 60.7% cited heightened coastal erosion within their communities (Table 3).
When knowledge levels were categorized as adequate or inadequate based on aggregate scores, significant disparities emerged across demographic groups. Respondents with primary education had a higher likelihood of demonstrating adequate knowledge (81.4%) compared to those without formal education (52.5%) (p < 0.001). In addition, those with more than 10 years of occupational experience showed greater knowledge (70.3%) than respondents with 1–10 years of experience (53.2%) (p = 0.019) (Table 4).
3.4 Attitudes toward climate change
The analysis of respondents’ attitudes toward climate change revealed varied perceptions regarding the severity of the issue, personal responsibility, and willingness to engage in adaptation actions. Overall, 42.7% of respondents demonstrated positive attitudes toward climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Most of respondents accounting for 58.0% agreed that climate change is a serious problem requiring urgent action. However, fewer respondents about 43.0% believed that individual actions can meaningfully contribute to addressing climate change. Governmental involvement was widely supported by 65.0% respondents indicating that the government should enforce stronger environmental protection laws. Additionally, 49.0% respondents agreed that community meetings were important platforms for identifying local solutions.
Less encouraging findings included the perception that climate change is too costly to address, with 46.7% expressing concern over adaptation expenses. Furthermore, 28.7% of respondents believed that climate change is mainly driven by natural cycles, and 25.3% felt it was too late to take meaningful action in Table 5.
3.5 Gender differences in attitudes about climate change
Gender differences in attitudes were not significant with.46.9% male respondents and 39.5% female respondents exhibited positive attitudes respectively with p = 0.214.
Education level demonstrated a strong association with attitudes. Respondents with secondary education or higher were nearly twice as likely to demonstrate positive attitudes (68.4%) compared to those without formal education at 34.7% (p < 0.001) see (Table 6).
Years of occupational experience also influenced attitudes, with 51.2% respondents who had worked in fisheries for more than 10 years exhibiting positive attitudes, compared to 38.7%respondents (38.7%) among those with 1–10 years of experience (p = 0.030) see (Table 6).
3.6 Adaptation practices
The study further assessed the adaptation strategies employed by fisherfolk in response to perceived climate-related impacts. Overall, 56.0%of respondent reported participating in mangrove conservation activities, while 48.0% respondents engaged in reforestation initiatives. Proper waste disposal practices aimed at reducing pollution and mitigating coastal degradation were reported by 46.0% of respondents in Table 7.
Regional variations were observed in the adoption of adaptation measures. In the Volta Region, 65.0% of respondents reported involvement in mangrove conservation. In comparison, the Western Region recorded 52.0% and the Central Region had 51.0% for the same activity. Participation in formal training programs was highest in the Western Region, wi32.0% of participants who indicated having taken part, compared with lower proportions in both the Volta and Central Regions (Table 7). These findings highlight substantial engagement in environmental restoration across communities while also illustrating disparities in access to or uptake of formal climate training programs.
3.7 Relationship between socio-demographic factors and knowledge and attitudes
Chi-square tests were performed to examine the relationships between key demographic characteristics and respondents’ knowledge and attitudes toward climate change.
Education level demonstrated a strong positive association with both outcomes. Among respondents with secondary education or higher, 81.5% demonstrated adequate knowledge, compared to 52.5% of those without formal education with (p < 0.001). Similarly, 68.4% of those with higher education exhibited positive attitudes, whereas only 34.7% of respondents with no formal education reported positive attitudes at (p < 0.001).
Years of experience in fisheries were also significantly associated with both knowledge and attitudes. Respondents with more than 10 years of experience demonstrated greater knowledge (70.3%) compared to those with 1–10 years of experience (53.2%) (p = 0.019). Similarly, positive attitudes were more common among respondents with over 10 years of experience (51.2%) than those with fewer years in the occupation (38.7%) (p = 0.030).
Age was significantly associated with knowledge (p = 0.018) but not with attitudes (p = 0.072).
While gender differences in knowledge levels were not statistically significant (p = 0.142), males reported slightly higher adequate knowledge (63.2%) compared to females (61.6%).
Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent predictors of adequate climate change knowledge and positive attitudes toward climate adaptation among fisherfolk. After adjusting for age, gender, and region, both education level and years of occupational experience emerged as significant determinants of knowledge and attitudes.
Knowledge Model indicated that respondents with primary education were significantly more likely to demonstrate adequate knowledge of climate change compared to those without formal education. Thus, Primary education: AOR = 2.50 (95% CI: 1.74–5.78), p < 0.001.
Years of experience was also independently predicted knowledge. Therefore, more than 10 years of experience: AOR = 1.56 (95% CI: 1.01–2.78), p = 0.042.
These findings suggest that both formal schooling and prolonged exposure to fisheries-related environmental changes enhance understanding of climate-related issues.
Attitude Model indicated that education is a strong predictor of positive attitudes toward climate mitigation and adaptation. Thus, Secondary education or higher: AOR = 2.89 (95% CI: 1.65–4.92), p < 0.001.
Similarly, years of experience significantly influenced attitudes. Hence, more than 10 years of experience: AOR = 1.74 (95% CI: 1.12–3.12), p = 0.031.
These results reinforce the central role of educational attainment and occupational tenure in shaping fisherfolk’s perceptions, sense of agency, and readiness to engage in adaptive behaviors (Table 8).
3.8 Discussion of the results
This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and adaptation behaviors related to climate change among fisherfolk in three coastal districts of Ghana. The findings provide critical insights into awareness levels, behavioral responses, and the socio-demographic factors shaping climate-related perceptions in this economically significant population. Overall, the results highlight important strengths while also revealing notable gaps that must be addressed through targeted policy and programmatic interventions.
More than 80% of respondents reported being aware of climate change, and nearly two-thirds demonstrated adequate understanding of the concept when assessed using structured items. This level of awareness exceeds that reported in earlier Ghanaian and regional studies. For instance, Fosu-Mensah et al. (2012) found that only 59% of smallholder farmers in northern Ghana recognized the impacts of climate change, while Esan (2018) reported broad but shallow knowledge among fisherfolk in Nigeria [3,7]. The relatively higher awareness identified in the current study may reflect increasing media exposure, more visible environmental changes, and expanded community engagement in recent years.
Despite this encouraging awareness, knowledge of the underlying scientific drivers remained uneven. While respondents frequently identified deforestation and pollution as contributing factors, fewer recognized the roles of greenhouse gas emissions or fossil fuel combustion. Similar gaps have been documented in other low- and middle-income countries, where scientific terminology is often less familiar to resource-dependent populations [3,8,9]. Moreover, a subset of participants attributed climate change to divine causes—a perspective consistent with studies in West Africa that show coexistence of spiritual and scientific explanations. These mixed beliefs may influence perceptions of personal agency and the extent to which communities feel responsible for adopting mitigation behaviors.
Attitudes toward climate change and adaptation were more variable. Fewer than half of respondents expressed positive attitudes characterized by a sense of urgency, responsibility, or confidence in adaptation strategies. This is concerning, as positive attitudes are strongly linked to behavioral change. Comparable attitude–behavior gaps have been reported among farmers in Uganda and Nigeria, where awareness does not always translate into motivation to adopt adaptive practices [7,10].
Education level and years of fisheries experience emerged as the strongest predictors of both knowledge and attitudes. This aligns with existing literature suggesting that education enhances the ability to interpret environmental information, while occupational experience promotes direct exposure to climate impacts and adaptive strategies [11,12]. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating education and training components into climate resilience initiatives. Interventions should be adapted to varying literacy levels and grounded in culturally relevant communication approaches.
The study also identified the adaptation strategies currently being implemented by fisherfolk. Mangrove conservation and reforestation were the most frequently reported actions, suggesting increasing community involvement in environmental restoration. These practices are particularly beneficial, as mangroves support coastal protection, biodiversity, and fisheries productivity. However, less than one-third of respondents reported participating in training programs or adjusting fishing practices, and engagement in livelihood diversification was limited. This is notable because diversification is widely recognized as a key strategy for reducing vulnerability to climate shocks.
Challenges to adaptation are likely multifaceted. Financial constraints, competing livelihood pressures, limited extension services, and uncertainty about the effectiveness of adaptation actions may all contribute to low adoption rates. The expressed desire for government and external support further suggests perceived limitations in local capacity and agency. These patterns have been observed in previous studies where top-down initiatives fail to align with local priorities or resource availability [13,14].
Information channels played a central role in shaping climate change perceptions. Respondents relied predominantly on television, radio, and community leaders, underscoring the importance of these conventional communication pathways. Limited access to internet- based communication highlights the digital divide facing many coastal communities. Thus, effective communication strategies must integrate both traditional and modern systems.
Evidence from participatory approaches such as Action Media suggests that engagement- oriented communication can strengthen understanding and foster community ownership [15,16].
Gender also played an important role in shaping climate-related insights and actions. Although no significant gender differences in knowledge or attitudes were identified statistically, women constituted most respondents due to their major involvement in fish processing and marketing. Previous studies have shown that women often face greater adaptation barriers, including restricted access to financial resources, limited decision-making power, and fewer extension services. Future adaptation strategies must therefore be explicitly gender- responsive to ensure inclusivity and equity [3,7,10].
Regional differences in adaptation practices were also evident. Participation in mangrove restoration was highest in the Volta Region, likely reflecting active donor-supported restoration projects. In contrast, formal training participation was more common in the Western Region, where NGOs have played a major role in climate advocacy and education. These findings suggest that localized, context-specific approaches are necessary to strengthen adaptation outcomes.
The policy implications of this study are substantial. First, awareness campaigns must go beyond basic messaging to address gaps in understanding the scientific causes of climate change and the practical relevance of adaptation strategies. Approaches that incorporate storytelling, demonstrations, and peer learning may help bridge these gaps. Second, fostering positive attitudes requires interventions that build self-efficacy and highlight the benefits of adaptation. Community leadership, participatory planning, and visible success stories can play key roles in strengthening these attitudes. Third, structural barriers—including financial limitations, insufficient extension services, and limited access to training—must be addressed to enable sustained adaptive behaviors. Fourth, gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches must be central to program design to ensure that women’s perspectives and needs are adequately reflected.
Integrating local knowledge with scientific expertise is critical for designing relevant and sustainable adaptation solutions. Participatory risk assessments, community-driven adaptation planning, and multi-stakeholder engagement platforms can align interventions with local priorities and enhance ownership. Treating fisherfolk as partners rather than beneficiaries enhances both the legitimacy and long-term effectiveness of adaptation initiatives.
Overall, this study contributes to the body of literature on climate change adaptation in small- scale fisheries and affirms the utility of the Knowledge–Attitudes–Practices (KAP) framework for diagnostic assessment. Through a nuanced understanding of the drivers and barriers of climate-responsive behavior, policy actors can design interventions that are both evidence- based and contextually appropriate.
3.9 Strengths and limitations
This study has several strengths, including a relatively large sample size, representation across three regions, and the use of a validated and pre-tested instrument and translation and back translation to reduce bias. The inclusion of both fishers and fish processors allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of perceptions and behaviors across the value chain.
However, some limitations must be acknowledged. The cross-sectional design precludes causal inferences about the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Self- reported data may be subject to social desirability bias, particularly regarding adaptation practices and volunteer bias. While efforts were made to ensure random sampling, the use of a modified random walk approach may have introduced selection bias. Finally, the study focused primarily on quantitative measures; qualitative insights could have enriched understanding of motivations, barriers, and contextual factors shaping adaptation.
Future research should consider longitudinal designs to assess changes in KAP over time and mixed methods approaches to capture the depth and nuance of fisherfolk’s experiences. In addition, impact evaluations of specific adaptation interventions can provide evidence on what works in promoting resilience in fisheries-dependent communities.
4. Conclusion
Ghanaian fishermen’s climate change knowledge, attitudes, and adaptive activities are examined in this study. Multivariate regression study showed that fishing experience and education significantly affected climate knowledge and attitudes. This means that formal education and real-world experience alter climate threat perception. Knowledge greatly affected attitudes, but its effect on adaptive behavior was much less, suggesting that awareness alone cannot modify behavior.
The study showed that institutional support, financial resources, and extension services strongly affected adaptation strategy choices. Few ecosystem-based strategies were used, including mangrove rehabilitation. People adjusted their fishing methods and sought other jobs. This difference shows that being receptive to economic changes and not being tech-savvy are huge issues for adaptive judgments.
Interpersonal communication was also crucial. Reliable local networks are essential for adaptation attempts due to the importance of traditional and community-oriented communication routes. Gender-specific adaptive engagement patterns show that fisheries value chains need policies that respect women’s essential role.
These results suggest that awareness campaigns alone cannot help fisheries-dependent communities adapt to climate change. Policies should improve institutions, involve everyone in the economy, and engage people in government. These results call for comprehensive, community-focused adaptation initiatives that work with fisherfolk, address institutional barriers, and integrate indigenous knowledge into national climate resilience policy.
Supporting information
S1 Text. Sample questionnaire used for data collection.
This document contains the structured questionnaire administered to fisherfolk, including sections on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, adaptation practices, and sources of information.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pclm.0000813.s001
(DOCX)
Acknowledgments
The author thanks the fisherfolk participants, the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, and research assistants for their support during data collection.
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