ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON COASTAL DWELLERS’ LIVELIHOODS IN OJO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE

Abstract

Numerous studies have affirmed the adverse effects of climate change on different sectors of society, with manifolds of consequences for human wellbeing. The rapid population and infrastructural development along the Lagos Coastal area present many challenges. The study aims to identify the potential and real-life effects of climate change on the livelihood of coastal dwellers of the Ojo Local Government Area. The study also identifies the adaptation practice and capacity of the coastal communities as well as the challenges faced by these communities to understand their vulnerability to the challenges of the changing climate. The study adopts a random sampling of 150 respondents and is analyzed using the Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and presented in statistical tables and charts. The PCA extracted 5 components and explained their correlation in 5 variables; socio-economic characteristics, awareness, flooding/erosion, government policy, and adaptation strategies among the coastal dwellers. The study concluded that integrated coastal zone management is needed through the adoption of an integrated approach toward different interests in both the land and marine components of the coastal area. The study also observed that the majority of the respondents are knowledgeable about the effect of climate change on their livelihood and therefore recommends robust awareness campaign programs in conjunction with increased infrastructure upgrades and effective development control through the Environmental Management Act (NEMA).

Key Words: Adaptation, Climate change, Coastal livelihood, Poverty, Settlements, Vulnerability

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