Assessment of Livelihood Vulnerability of Fisherfolks in Coastal and Freshwater Fishing Communities of Ilaje in Ondo State

Abstract

The study assessed the livelihood vulnerability of fisherfolks in both coastal and freshwater fishing communities of Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo state, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information from 200 fisherfolks from both communities. Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics, Livelihood Vulnerability Index data were aggregated using a composite index and differential vulnerabilities were compared. The results showed that majority of the fisherfolks from freshwater and coastal communities were below 46 years old, respondents from the freshwater communities were 95% male, 5% females while all (100%) respondents in the coastal communities were male with majority assenting to fishing as their primary occupation. The freshwater communities showed greater vulnerability on the socio-demographic profile (SDP) index than coastal communities (SDP freshwater 0.49;SDPcoastal communities 0.34). Freshwater also showed greater vulnerability on the livelihood strategies component (0.45) than coastal communities (0.40). The social networks indicators were the same for the two communities. The overall health vulnerability score for freshwater communities (0.46) was higher than that for coastal communities (0.44).  Also, the overall food vulnerability score for freshwater households (0.23) was greater than that of coastal community households (0.22). Freshwater households had a lower vulnerability score (0.03) for the water component than coastal communities (0.17). Based on the incidents of flooding, droughts, storms and erosion, households in the coastal communities (0.50) were more vulnerable to natural disasters than those in the freshwater communities (0.41). Overall, coastal communities had a higher Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) than freshwater (0.357 versus 0.356).This logical approach may be used to monitor vulnerability, programs and resources to assist fisherfolks. Also, there should be enlightenment on how to mitigate the factors enhancing climate change while good infrastructure and aids be given to those who suffer losses due to climate change impacts.