Unmasking the impact of COVID-19 on the livelihoods of small-scale fishers along the Kenyan coast for possible interventions

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic caused many human deaths and was a multiplier of vulnerability for many households. Consequently, threatening attainment of food security especially in developing countries. This research survey examined the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on the lives of small-scale fishers associated with restrictions imposed in response to the pandemic among Kenya’s coastal fishing communities. The survey was undertaken through interviews of stakeholders in major fishing areas of Lamu, Malindi and Shimoni, which are the richest inshore fishing grounds with high concentration of artisanal fishers. Data about fishers’ perceptions on how the pandemic affected their lives, the causes of disruption, and the adopted coping strategies were collected from September to October 2020 at the peak of COVID-19. Respondents were mainly fishers and fish traders (80%, n = 195) dominated by males (52%, n = 128). Respondents’ perception indicate that they were adversely affected by the pandemic (94%, n = 231). Containment regulations affected fishing and fish trade in all the landing sites examined. In terms of proportional impact, the dusk to dawn curfew was highest contributing 66% (n = 128), lockdown to major markets was 28% (n = 55), sanitary measures 3% (n = 6) while social distancing and curtailment of non-essential services was minimal.