Perception of the impacts of climate change on the fishery resources of the Niger River in the department of Tillabéri in Niger

Abstract

Abstract
Since the 1970s, the Sahel has been confronted with a sharp deterioration in its
productive potential due to the effects of a generally unfavorable climatic situation
coupled with a high rate of population growth. This study aims to identify and analyze
farmers' perceptions of climate threats on the Niger River as well as the
socioeconomic consequences on fishing households. A survey of a sample of 62
fishermen distributed in two municipalities of the department of Tillabéri (Sinder and
Kourtheye) was conducted. The main consequences on halieutic resources are the
reduction of areas for fishing and reproduction of fish, the scarcity or even the
disappearance of certain species of fish. To compensate for the reduction in catches,
fishermen resort to poor fishing practices, including the fishing dam technique and the
use of prohibited gear. These practices further contribute to the continued decline in
catches. All of these phenomena generate increased competition for exploitation,
which undermines social ties between fishermen and a significant drop in income,
accentuating the vulnerability of fishing households.