Title: Assessing the impacts of climate change on inland fisheries: A case study of Lake Malawi.

Climate change continues to be one of the major bottlenecks to global development and it has affected the fisheries sector. In Malawi, limited information is available on how the inland fisheries of Lake Malawi have been affected by climate change. A study to assess the effects of climate change on the inland fisheries of Lake Malawi was therefore conducted from December 2021 to February 2022. Primary data was collected from 90 respondents through the administration of a structured questionnaire. Literature review was used to further assess the impacts of climate change on the fisheries resources of Lake Malawi while drawing lessons from other countries. Data was analysed in excel, where pivot tables were formulated, and the gender dimensions of the fishery were also considered. Most of the respondents (76%) were male and mostly involved in fishing, the remainder were female mostly involved in fish trading and fish processing. This represents how the fish value chain is structured, men are the key players, while women are involved in the ancillary activities. Most respondents claimed that they have the knowledge and are aware of climate change and have experienced one or more extreme weather events, mostly floods and droughts. Rainfall has become erratic and starts late. There has been an increase in heavy Mwera winds which has affected their fishing activities. 73% of the respondents said that their income from fishing activities has decreased over the years. As a coping strategy, some respondents said they are involved in rainfed farming, an activity that is also vulnerable to climate change shocks. In terms of fishing, most of the fishers are going further offshore to catch fish, which may be dangerous considering the fishing gear used. Almost 60% of the respondents have access to general fisheries extension services, but not interventions from donor partners. Climate change information and early warning systems should be incorporated in fisheries extension messages.