International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies
2024, Vol. 12, Issue 4, Part A
Poverty measurements in the small-scale fishery of Liberia: A step towards poverty eradication
Author(s): Wehye Austin Saye
Abstract: The Small Scale Fisheries (SSF) sector is engulfed with too many challenges ranging from poverty to vulnerability and marginalization of fisherfolks within these underdeveloped fishing communities along the nine coastal counties of Liberia. This study used FGT techniques and the Sumaila Relative Poverty Indices to examine the measurements of poverty in two of the SSF communities in Liberia. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, data was collected from the two segments that interact in the SSF of Liberia (Kru and Fanti). Marshall Kru and Marshall Fanti sampled 100 people from where a response rate of 100% was obtained; and Westpoint Fanti and Westpoint received a response rate of 99% (99 people) and 98% (98 people) respectively. This phenomenal response was due to the highly targeted nature of the response and the author’s notable experience and working relationships in the industry. Findings from the analysis show that poverty head-count index was between 48% and 97% using the 2011 Upper Global Poverty line and between 50% and 100% using the Upper Global Poverty line of 2017. This is an indication that poverty is pervasive in the two fishing communities. The two fishing communities faces similar vulnerability and marginalization ranging from lack of access to basic socio-economic services such as safe drinking water, electricity, markets, and schools to fisheries management issues such as sea level rise, competitions among users and conflicts. This is compounded with the lack of postharvest lost or value addition facilities to preserve and process catches from the SSF to obtain the actual market value and prevent spoilage. To mitigate this malice, several management recommendations are proposed to alleviate poverty in the SSF of Liberia and improve the livelihood of coastal communities’ dwellers.
DOI: 10.22271/fish.2024.v12.i4a.2946Pages: 73-83 | 476 Views 404 DownloadsDownload Full Article: Click Here