Small-scale fishing: Income, vulnerability and livelihood strategies at Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia

There is still a need for appropriate livelihood strategies to improve livelihoods of small-scale fishers, despite several roles the African inland fisheries play to fishers’ wellbeing. This study assessed the nexus between small-scale fishing and fishers’ livelihoods at Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, Zambia. Using the mixed-methods approach under a sustainable livelihood framework, findings revealed the fishing income was insufficient to improve their livelihood assets due to the low fish catches per fisher. Deficiency in fishing income was compounded by fishers’ vulnerability to shocks caused mainly by the effects of the closed fishing season and crop/livestock production failures. As such, the study suggests, among other strategies, the support of fishery stakeholders towards alternative income sources and development of a livelihood-inclusive fisheries policy framework to help enhance the livelihoods of fishers at Lake Itezhi-Tezhi fishery. Beyond this lake fishery, this study contributes similar strategies as lessons for addressing the fishers’ livelihood challenges and promoting sustainable fishing.