Adaptation to climate change among artisanal fishers around Lekki Lagoon, Nigeria: A gender analysis

Abstract

This study assessed fishers' adaptation to climate change in fishing communities around Lekki Lagoon from a gender perspective. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 112 (77 males and 35 females) fishers from nine fishing communities. Primary data were collected with the interview guide and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that 67.5% of males and 60.0% of females were into fishing for business and consumption. The mean adaptation scores indicated that more male fishers changed from fishing to crop farming and non-agricultural activities than their female counterparts. The mean score of severity of constraints indicated that low fish catch, lack of information from weather stations, and the influence of middlemen were more severe constraints for male fishers than female fishers. A significant association was established between fishers' use of insurance schemes as an adaptation strategy and their gender. The study concluded that female fishers demonstrated a lower extent of adaptation and were more constrained in their use of adaptation strategies than their male counterparts. Fisheries extension services should be strengthened to build the capacity of female fishers to access different adaptation strategies.