PERCEPTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN SELECTED RURAL COASTAL COMMUNITIES OF BADAGRY, NIGERIA

Abstract

Climate change is a multi-faceted phenomenon and its impacts vary with specific socio-economic realities. Rural residents especially in the coastal regions of developing nations remain the most vulnerable because their livelihood is tied to climate-sensitive sectors such as farming and fishing. Mitigation and adaptation strategies employed are, however, a function of residents’ perception of the phenomenon. The study, therefore, investigated the perception of coastal rural residents in Badagry West Local Government Area of Lagos on the impact of climate change on their livelihood. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered to respondents using a multistage stratified sampling technique. Results indicated that the primary occupation of 44% of the residents was farming or fishing, and 70% indicated they earned less than N50,000 monthly. About 58 % of the residents perceived climate change as an act of God, while 51% and 58% indicated that it resulted in more rainfall/flooding and less farm productivity. Over 60% relied on extension workers for guidance while another 59% planted different varieties of crops and increased cropping land area as adaptation strategies. This implied a more intensive use of natural resources and land conversions as they encroached into virgin lands in search for more cropping area. Aggressive investment in agricultural extension services and development of local non-farm economy is recommended to ensure sustainability.