Climate change poses a significant threat to the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture, particularly in developing regions such as sub-Saharan Africa where livelihoods and food security are closely tied to aquatic resources. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and ocean acidification are disrupting aquatic ecosystems, altering fish distributions, and reducing productivity. This study highlights the multifaceted impacts of climate change on fisheries and aquaculture, with a focus on the African Great Lakes and inland fisheries systems, using Zambia as a case study. The research utilizes data collected from meteorological trends (1990–2023), fish stock assessments, and aquaculture performance metrics to illustrate how climatic shifts have influenced fish yields and the livelihoods of small-scale fishers. Notably, fish yields from Lake Kariba have declined by an estimated 18% over the last two decades, attributed largely to water temperature increases and prolonged drought periods (Figure 1).
Mitigation strategies explored include improved feed efficiency, adoption of renewable energy in fish processing, and reforestation of buffer zones. Adaptation measures such as species diversification, climate-smart aquaculture technologies and mobile cold storage innovations have shown promise. The study also showcases a successful example from Zambia, where a refrigerated truck—procured under the Programme for Improving Fisheries Governance and Blue Economy (PROFISHBLUE) project for the Africa Women Fish Network (Aw-Fishnet) Zambia Chapter—has significantly reduced post-harvest losses and enhanced climate resilience among youth and women fish traders. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for integrated climate-smart policies, investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, and regional collaboration to ensure the future viability of fisheries and aquaculture sectors.