Mobilising adaptive capacity to multiple stressors: Insights from small-scale coastal fisheries in the Western Region of Ghana
Authors: George Freduah (past TBTI student), Pedro Fidelman, P., and Tim F. Smith (TBTI member)
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. Using an ethnographic approach, based on multiple sources of evidence including documents, interviews and participant observation, it examines mechanisms of mobilising adaptive capacity in response to climate and non-climate stressors. The 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).
