Effect of Climate Variability on Livelihood Choice Decisions among Fishers in Coastal Areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Livelihood diversification is a cutting-edge strategy for mitigating the effects of climate variability, poverty, and food insecurity. This study employed a multinomial logistic regression model to examine the effect of climate variability on livelihood choice decisions among fishers in coastal areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 180 respondents selected using a multistage sampling procedure. The results showed that respondents predominantly combined fishing with farm and non-farm livelihood activities to mitigate the effect of climate variability. Age (p<0.10; p<0.05), household size (-p<0.05;p<0.01), cooperative membership (p<0.10; p< 0.05) and rainfall variability(p<0.05; p<0.01) influenced the likelihood of engaging in fishing + farm and fishing + non-farm activities respectively. Amount of credit and level of education (p<0.05, p<0.05) influenced the likelihood of engaging in fishing + non-farm activities. The challenges faced by fishers in sustaining their livelihoods were inadequate access to credit and finance (x̅ = 3.72), high cost of fishing inputs (x̅ = 3.61), poor access to storage and processing facilities (x̅ = 3.55), fluctuating fish prices in the market (x̅ = 3.48), coastal flooding and related hazards (x̅ = 3.43), limited access to modern fishing equipment and technology (x̅ = 3.36), high labour demand during peak fishing seasons (x̅ = 3.25), social and institutional challenges and illegal fishing practices. The study recommended that effort should be made by government and non-governmental agencies in sensitizing fishing communities on climate-smart fishing activities, environmental fishing practices and effective adaptation practices, in order to promote resource sustainability.