Effects of the Oil and Gas sector on Fisher Communities in Africa

According to Manu, D.A.K., (2011), oil and gas revenues and royalties can positively impact countries of Africa, significantly delivering sustainable development gains to various communities including fisher communities. However, for this to happen, governments of Africa have to enact inclusive oil and gas sector policies that respond to the concerns and issues that act against the sustainability of sectors affecting communities. Practical realities are that fisher communities are displaced from lucrative fishing areas and replaced by Seismic Vessels whose noise disrupts fish breeding grounds, reducing catches, killing fish and drastically reducing fisher community incomes (Quijano 2008). Africa oil has mainly benefited African privileged elites, oil companies, their shareholders and western industrialized countries (ACODE, 2006) but this can be changed for a more favorable outcome. This study ventures into finding out the negative effects of the oil and gas industry on the fishing communities in Uganda, Kaiso, Hoima District and proposes responsive actions focused on responses that protect and promote the livelihoods of fisher communities.