Vulnerability of artisanal fishing communities to flood risks in coastal southwest Nigeria

Abstract

The vulnerability of coastal communities to climate change risks is an important development issue for Africa's low-lying coastal zones. Frequent floods resulting from climate change, sea-level rise and other human-induced environmental stressors have become a major concern in the coastal zone of Nigeria. This article draws upon conceptual issues in vulnerability and livelihoods to examine the multi-scale causes of current vulnerability of artisanal fishing communities in the Ogun coastal area of southwest Nigeria to flood risks. Fisher folk in the study area are highly vulnerable to the increasing incidence of floods as virtually all aspects of their livelihoods are impacted. Adaptive capacity which is influenced by existing socio-economic and institutional contexts at different scales is examined. Projected changes in climate for Nigeria's coastal zone and future socio-economic conditions of artisanal fishers suggest higher vulnerability in the future.