Life Survival Strategy of Bajo Fishermen in Achieving Psychological Welfare Amidst Climate Change

Abstract

Climate change has significant impact on fishing communities. The decline in fishermen's catches affects economic and psychological welfare. A traditional group that is able to maintain its existence as fishermen is the Bajo tribe in East Tanete Riattang District, Bajoe Village, Bone Regency. This research aims to describe survival strategy by Bajo fishermen in climate change, identify challenges in implementing strategy, and describe the influence of strategies on conditions in achieving psychological welfare. The research uses qualitative phenomenological approach method. Data was obtained from observations and interviews. Research results show that Bajo fishermen apply active, passive, and network strategy to fulfill economic needs. In implementing these efforts, fishermen face challenges of technical problems, decreased catch quality, and incompatibility with government programs. Nevertheless, the strategies have had a positive impact on economic prosperity and also positive impact on the psychological well-being of Bajo tribe fishermen, which are indicated by six aspects.