Climate Change Perception and Adaptation Strategies of Artisanal Fisher Folks in Coastal Areas of Lagos, Nigeria

This study assessed climate change perception and adaptation among artisanal fisher folks in the coastal areas of Lagos State, Nigeria. Primary data was obtained using a structured questionnaire from a sample of 200 artisanal fisher folks selected through a multistage sampling procedure. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, perception index and Multivariate Probit (MVP) regression model. Results showed that 98.5% of the artisanal fishers were males with mean age, household size, farming experience, and monthly income of 43.8 years, 6 persons, 23 years, and ₦53,275, respectively. The perception index was (x ̅= 0.65), with 52.0% and 48.0% of the respondents having a high and moderate perception of climate change effects, respectively. MVP shows that the likelihood of adopting an increase in fishing time in response to climate change increased significantly with the perception of climate change effects. The fishers' age, extension contact, access to climate change information, innovative training and perception of climate change effects significantly influenced the likelihood of adopting the use of highly efficient fishing gear. The likelihood of diversifying livelihood was significantly affected by total income and access to credit, while household size, membership association, and innovations training increased the likelihood of using motorised boats. The study concluded that respondents’ socio-economic characteristics and climate change perception significantly influence climate change adaptation. Therefore, it was recommended that cost-effective technologies such as motorised fishing boats be made available and affordable for coping with climate change to help Lagos state’s resource-poor artisanal fishers.