The impacts of climate variability and change on natural resources-based livelihoods has increased in magnitude, frequency, and intensity; and fisheries-based livelihood is no exception. Vulnerability assessment has significant policy implications in prioritizing adaptation assistance, allocation of resources, and monitor progress over time. Hence, there is a dire need for an in-depth understanding of its vulnerability to facilitate adaptation interventions. The study was undertaken in the Lake Bangweulu fishery of Zambia, Central Africa. The structured household questionnaire, Focused Group Discussion, and Key Informants' interview was designed and adopted to collect data for the assessment of fisheries-based livelihood interventions. Results indicated a higher Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) in Iyongolo (0.157) than in Katanshya (0.042). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) vulnerability dimensions for Iyongolo were higher in Exposure (0.424) and Sensitivity (0.676) while Adaptive capacity was lower (0.191). The simultaneous application of strategies aiming to reduce sensitivity and to increase adaptive capacity would benefit the system by decreasing its vulnerability. It was concluded that fisheries-based livelihoods are vulnerable to impacts of climate variability and change. However, biophysical and socio-economic factors attributed to differences in vulnerability between two communities. The simultaneous application of strategies that are aimed at reducing sensitivity (such as the promotion of diversified livelihood) and increasing adaptive capacity (such as increased access to climate change information, improved access to other assets, improved fish value chains, and training in non-fishing activity skills) can be of great benefit to the vulnerable system.

Keywords: Fishing communities, Sustainability, socio-economic system