Gap Analysis of National and Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Priorities and Initiatives in Western and Central Africa in Respect to Climate Change and Disasters

African fishers and fish farmers are particularly vulnerable to disasters and climate change impacts. The objective of the study was to identify regional and national gaps and opportunities to reduce the vulnerability of the sector to impacts from climate change and increase the resilience of fisheries and aquaculture livelihoods to disasters. The identification of gaps and opportunities were made through a combination of a survey, website searches and reviews of documents--including policies and strategies--that contain fisheries/aquaculture and climate change adaptation (CCA)/disaster risk management (DRM) aspects. Identified national and regional priorities were compared to actions in place and thus gaps were identified. A total of 23 countries, 16 of which are least developed countries (LDCs), were considered for Western and Central Africa. A regional workshop on climate change, disasters and crises in the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Western and Central Africa was held in Accra, Ghana on 1-2 November 2012 to provide input into the gap analysis process and provide recommendations for addressing climate change adaptation and disaster risk management in fisheries and aquaculture. Overall, 27 gaps or recommendations were identified. These are presented in Chapter 4, with reference to their source and in respect to the four areas of adaptation and disaster risk management action, namely: strengthened governance to address disasters and climate change impacts affecting fisheries and aquaculture; addressing and reducing underlying risks through prevention and adaptation measures; managing effective response and improving preparedness for disasters and climate change; and improved early warning systems and availability of information. These gaps and recommendations provide specific and general suggestions for those considering supporting the development of actions in the area of fisheries/aquaculture and CCA/DRM in Western and Central Africa. The findings will also be used to inform advice for the formulation of the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa.