Impact of Climate Change and Disaster on Blue Economy and Livelihoods - Tana River County, Kenya

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

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Abstract: The blue economy underpins our life on earth. Oceans produce half of the worldâ??s oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and are essential in the provision of food, transport, and recreational and tourism activities. However, blue economy livelihoods and industries are threatened by climate change and disasters. For instance, climate change is altering ocean climate, sea level, acidity, water circulation, and ice distribution. These system changes are impacting on coastal ecosystems and species that underpin coastal economic benefits. Therefore, long-term blue economy management plans will need to take account of the potential impacts of climate change and disasters on blue economy livelihoods and businesses. This is essential because climate projections indicate that even if global warming is limited to 2oC, oceans will warm by 2 to 4 times by 2100, and 5 to 7 times under higher emission scenario in comparison to 1970â??2017 levels. Therefore, this research study examined the impacts of climate change and climatic disasters on blue economy livelihoods in Tana River County, one of the most vulnerable coastal counties to the effects of climate change and disasters in Kenya. The data collection was conducted through extensive literature review, questionnaire, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The identified blue economy livelihoods include fishing, fish farming, coastal tourism, farming, and pastoralism. Although agriculture is not primarily considered a blue economy livelihood, much of crop farming and pastoralism are enabled by the Tana Delta, a blue economy resource, in Tana Delta Sub-County, Tana River County.