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Effect of rising fuel prices on small-scale fisheries livelihoods and marine sustainability in Ghana

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  • Victor Owusu

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of fuel price hikes on the livelihoods of small-scale coastal fisherfolk in Ghana. The study applied a mixed-methods approach consisting of a questionnaire survey of 320 fisherfolk and 20 interviews with stakeholders in the fisheries sector. Increase in expenses, reduced frequency of fishing, an upsurge in social vices, and declining small-scale fisheries opportunities were found to be the main effects of fuel price hikes on fisherfolk livelihoods. The results reveal that fisherfolk experienced financial, emotional and psychological shocks due to the high cost of fuel. Dependency on savings, borrowing, petty trading, migration and farming were found to the main coping strategies. However, the various livelihood coping strategies deployed by fisherfolk were not sufficient to ameliorate their economic hardship. The findings show that fuel price hikes can contribute to reduction in fishing pressure and overcapacity despite the current socioeconomic hardship experienced by fishing households. The study recommends interest-free loans to support fisherfolk who are already engaged in small businesses. The provision of supplementary livelihoods could also improve fisherfolk’s income and well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Victor Owusu, 2025. "Effect of rising fuel prices on small-scale fisheries livelihoods and marine sustainability in Ghana," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 20(1), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0317260
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317260
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Dalheimer, Bernhard & Herwartz, Helmut & Lange, Alexander, 2021. "The threat of oil market turmoils to food price stability in Sub-Saharan Africa," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    4. Allison, Edward H. & Horemans, Benoit, 2006. "Putting the principles of the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach into fisheries development policy and practice," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 30(6), pages 757-766, November.
    5. Natarajan, Nithya & Newsham, Andrew & Rigg, Jonathan & Suhardiman, Diana, 2022. "A sustainable livelihoods framework for the 21st century," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
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