Climate change effects
threat life on earth especially economically poor areas. Among them is noticed
the shifting of the algae species Sargassum natans and Sargassum
fluitanss seaweeds from the Brazilian coast to new areas along the West
African coastline. Their occurrence along the Nigerian coast and their effect
on livelihood are necessary subject because of their link to coastal dwellers
food security and economic activities. This study aims to evaluate the perception
of coastal residents on the occurrence of Sargassum on the banks and
their notion of climate change effects. 206 household heads were interviewed
using a structured questionnaire over eleven areas. The coastal population
knowledge about climate change and the reason of the occurrence of Sargassum species, is limited due to low education level and information access
limitations. Also, the population complained about the occurrence of another
specie identified as Eichhornia crassipes which disturbs fishery and
boats displacements. Moreover, changes in weather conditions particularly
temperature have various consequences on the respondents’ livelihood by
affecting their health, welfare, feeding and incomes. The population lamented
about challenges of climate change and occurrence of Sargassum fluitans affecting fishery as they have no any adaptation measures to cope with these
situations.
Cite this paper
Adet, L. , Nsofor, G. N. , Ogunjobi, K. O. and Camara, B. (2017). Knowledge of Climate Change and the Perception of Nigeria’s Coastal Communities on the Occurrence of Sargassum natans and Sargassum fluitans. Open Access Library Journal, 4, e4198. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1104198.
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