CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION BY MANGROVE-DEPENDENT FISHING COMMUNITIES IN SOUTHERN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Fishing is the traditional occupation of Nigeria’s coastal communities. There is total dependence on wild caught fishes while aquaculture or fish farming is almost unknown. In addition to the numerous impacts of fishing on the ecosystem, mangroves are heavily exploited for fish processing and domestic energy needs. A survey was conducted in the fishing communities of two coastal States of Akwa Ibom and Cross River. The aim of this survey was to ascertain the communities’ awareness of climate change, create awareness on the interrelationship of climate change impacts and coastal ecosystems, and to drive home the need for adaptation through alternative livelihood and sustainable mangrove exploitation. The changes in climatic conditions acknowledged by the local communities include irregular rainfall patterns, heavy runoff, flooding, sea level rise and increased storm surges. They also acknowledged depletion in capture fisheries output, and increased risks for fishing at estuary and coastal waters. To encourage the communities’ adaptation to climate change, two pilot projects were introduced simultaneously in two communities of Cross River State, namely: fish farming as an alternative livelihood source, and locally fabricated fuel efficient wood stove aimed at minimizing mangrove deforestation for fish processing and other domestic energy needs. The position of this paper is that alternatives for energy and livelihood are necessary adaptation options for these coastal communities in the face of increasing climate change impacts.