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Coordinated and published by The Grassroots Institute, the Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources (GJNR) is an international journal dedicated to the latest advancements in natural resources throughout the world. The goal of this journal is to provide a platform for scientists, social scientists, policy analysts, managers and practitioners (on all academic and professional levels) all over the world to promote, discuss and share various new issues and developments in different arenas of natural resources.
Dekontee Oliver Saytarkon*1, Bessy Kathambi2, Robert Kibugi3
1Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
Email: oliversaytarkon@gmail.com | ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4887-0808
2Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
Email bessyk@uonbi.ac.ke | ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8826-2798
3Faculty of Law, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya. Email: rmkibugi@uonbi.ac.ke
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9817-6543
*Corresponding author
Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8(2): 392-423. Doi: https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080219
Received: 25 April 2025
Reviewed: 15 June 2025
Provisionally Accepted: 20 June 2025
Revised: 27 June 2025
Finally Accepted: 15 July 2025
Published: 25 August 2025
Climate change poses significant challenges to Liberia’s small-scale fisheries, a vital sector that contributes 10% to the national GDP and provides over 50% of the population’s animal protein. These fisheries are increasingly at risk from climate-related threats such as rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and disruptions to fish migration patterns. However, the potential of local ecological knowledge as a resource for resilience and sustainability remains underused in formal adaptation strategies. This study examined barriers to integrating local knowledge into climate adaptation efforts, focusing on three key fishing areas: West Point, Marshall, and St. Paul Bridge. The analysis identified significant challenges in using a mixed-methods approach, which included quantitative surveys with a sample size of 384 and qualitative interviews. A lack of documentation and transfer of local knowledge was highlighted by 96% of respondents, while limited capacity-building opportunities (40%) and poor knowledge-sharing mechanisms (60%) further hinder adaptation efforts. Additionally, 78% of respondents cited livelihood loss and food insecurity as critical issues, underscoring the sector’s vulnerability to climate impacts. To address these barriers, the study recommends establishing strong documentation systems for local knowledge, encouraging inclusive knowledge-sharing platforms, and improving capacity-building initiatives. Aligning adaptation strategies with local ecological contexts is crucial for promoting resilience and sustainability in Liberia’s small-scale fisheries.
Policy challenges; Participatory challenges; Knowledge; Local communities
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Saytarkon, D.O., Kathambi, B. and Kibugi, R. (2025). Barriers to Integration of Local Knowledge in Climate Adaptation Strategies for Liberia’s Small-Scale Fisheries. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8(2): 392-423. Doi: https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080219
Saytarkon, D.O., Kathambi, B., & Kibugi, R. (2025). Barriers to Integration of Local Knowledge in Climate Adaptation Strategies for Liberia’s Small-Scale Fisheries. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8(2), 392-423. https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080219
Saytarkon D.O., Kathambi B., Kibugi R. Barriers to Integration of Local Knowledge in Climate Adaptation Strategies for Liberia’s Small-Scale Fisheries. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 2025, 8 (2), 392-423. https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080219
Saytarkon, Dekontee Oliver, Kathambi, Bessy, Kibugi, Robert. 2025. “Barriers to Integration of Local Knowledge in Climate Adaptation Strategies for Liberia’s Small-Scale Fisheries”. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8 no. 2: 392-423. https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080219
Saytarkon, Dekontee Oliver, Bessy Kathambi and Robert Kibugi. 2025. “Barriers to Integration of Local Knowledge in Climate Adaptation Strategies for Liberia’s Small-Scale Fisheries”. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 8 (2): 392-423. https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.080219
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