Vulnerability of Coastal Livelihood to Sea Level Rise and Climate Change in Eastern Niger Region of Nigeria

Studies were carried out to assess the vulnerability of Coastal livelihood to sea level rise and effect of climate change in Eastern Niger Region of Nigeria. The study area covered the major estuaries in the south-eastern Nigeria. questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions were used in the study on the basis of finding, The primary occupation of households surveyed is fishing (64%), followed by forestry (mangrove resource) (26%) and daily wage laborer (10%); with significant difference of 0.310 (2-sided), livelihood ratio of 0.292 and linear by linear association of 0.740 at (0.05) significant level. It was observed that more income was spent on maintaining fishing gear, purchasing gasoline and health care with significant difference of p-value 0.002 (2-sided), livelihood ratio of 0.002 and linear by linear association of 0.008, as such the effect of flood on fish production in south-eastern Nigeria was on the increasing (80% at risk). The study concluded that, flooding is currently a major threat to the fishermen’s livelihoods especially the resultant decline in mangrove abundance and diversity causing a reduction in fish production/catch. As such, a well-planned and managed mangrove reforestation programme is necessary, educating communities about the impacts of climate change and involving them in adaptation planning is essential for building resilience. Programs that raise awareness about sustainable practices and disaster preparedness can help mitigate climate risks also, establishing and managing protected areas such as marine parks and wildlife sanctuaries help conserve critical habitats and biodiversity to serve as hot spot to affected areas. It is also recommended that further research be carried out to investigate the physiological response of mangrove related to temperature and salinity.