Climate-smart fisheries production in Pakistan: A policy brief and way forward for decision-makers
Amina Shahzadi* ,
Abstract
This study seeks to examine the contribution of fisheries to poverty reduction and food security, and portray the potential impacts of climate change on the already strained resources in Pakistan. Fish is a major source of food for the majority of poor and vulnerable communities in Pakistan. The sector also provides jobs to many men and women and is one of the most traded food commodities in the region. Fish trade supports economic growth in many developing countries in general and most in Pakistan, in particular by providing an important source of cash revenue to service international debt and importing food for domestic consumption, thus contributing to national food security and diversification of diets. However, the benefits gained from the sector are often overlooked in national economic planning. This study provides a review of the potential physical and biological impacts of climate change on fisheries by giving specific examples from Pakistan. It is clear that the higher the production level and per capita food supply from fishery products, the lower the prevalence of hunger. Nonetheless, the fisheries sector continues to lack sufficient attention by policymakers. It is recommended that increased and sustained investments in market development, fisheries governance, and provision of economic incentive mechanisms are crucial to minimize the potential impacts of climate change on fisheries and food security and increase the resilience of many poor fishers’ communities in Pakistan.
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This study seeks to examine the contribution of fisheries to poverty reduction and food security, and portray the potential impacts of climate change on the already strained resources in Pakistan. Fish is a major source of food for the majority of poor and vulnerable communities in Pakistan. The sector also provides jobs to many men and women and is one of the most traded food commodities in the region. Fish trade supports economic growth in many developing countries in general and most in Pakistan, in particular by providing an important source of cash revenue to service international debt and importing food for domestic consumption, thus contributing to national food security and diversification of diets. However, the benefits gained from the sector are often overlooked in national economic planning. This study provides a review of the potential physical and biological impacts of climate change on fisheries by giving specific examples from Pakistan. It is clear that the higher the production level and per capita food supply from fishery products, the lower the prevalence of hunger. Nonetheless, the fisheries sector continues to lack sufficient attention by policymakers. It is recommended that increased and sustained investments in market development, fisheries governance, and provision of economic incentive mechanisms are crucial to minimize the potential impacts of climate change on fisheries and food security and increase the resilience of many poor fishers’ communities in Pakistan.