Sustainability of marine artisanal fishing as a livelihood and the environment in Lagos State

Abstract

The study aims to assess the livelihoods activities of marine fisher folks and their activities on the environment. Ten marine fishing communities in Lagos State were selected using two stage stratified sampling system. Data were collected from 60 households (50 male headed and 10 female headed households). The relative approach two-thirds of the Mean Per Adult Equivalent Household Expenditure (2/3 MPAEHE) was used to determine the moderate poverty line and descriptive statistics in terms of mean and percentages were used in the analysis of the data, while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test for difference between the seasonal MPAEHE of coastal communities. The entire male heads of households (83.3%) had fishing as their primary source of livelihood, while their female counterparts (I6.7%) were involved as fish mongers. Farming is a major (78.3%) source of secondary livelihood. Characteristics and constraints of small-scale fishing as a source of livelihood by marine fisher folks are highlighted. The average MPAEHE (N 1324.16) and mean poverty line (N 882.77) were obtained for the marine communities. Average monthly income among the owners and non-owners of outboard engines ranged between N19, 840 and N8, 970 while recorded income was lowest during the off fishing season (July to September). Savings from earnings by non-owners of outboard engines and owners varied from 0.0% to 25.1%. The link between poverty, livelihood and environmental degradation as issues confronting the sustainability of fishing fisher folks living in marine fishing communities were identified. In conclusion, strategies for ensuring a sustainable livelihood for the fisher folks should follow a multi-dimensional approach.

< Journal of Environmental Extension Vol. 6 2007: pp. 39-45