Local Adaptation Strategies in Combating Flooding in Fisheries and Aquaculture in Nigeria

Abstract

The inadequacies of weather reporting systems, in remote areas of operations, have left fish farmers and fishermen unprepared and extremely vulnerable to climate change. Thus, the actors along the value chains, in the fisheries and aquaculture, in Nigeria are increasingly affected with devastating flooding. The effects result in the loss of investments in fisheries and aquaculture and properties. In order to ameliorate the loss of fish, incomes, investment, and livelihoods, the fish farmers and fishermen developed local grassroots strategies to cope with the annual escalating effects of flooding.

The review of the co** strategies and preventive measures, citing examples, became necessary to appraise their effectiveness and the possibility of scaling up for wider coverage. The likelihood factors and adaptive (indigenous) strategies practiced were assessed. It was found that though they have developed adaptation strategies such as the use of wire gauze and nets to cover the ponds during flooding, reinforcement of pond walls, and embankments, poor understanding and awareness about flooding prevented most fish farmers, especially, from taking the necessary precautionary measures. The chapter therefore advocates, among the fishermen, fish farmers, and supervising authorities, better coordination, ownership, and leadership in improving on the use of local adaptation strategies.