Published Paper Details:

There is strong evidence that the fisheries sub-sector of agriculture is experiencing major challenges some of which are directly linked to climate change. This study investigated fish farmers' notion of climate change and response to climate variability impact on fish production in Oron LGA, Akwa Ibom State. Through the use of structured questionnaires complemented by data obtained from focus group discussions, oral interview and direct field observations, 200 artisanal fish farmers were randomly selected from four settlements noted for intensive fishing activities in Oron LGA. The analysis of the data using descriptive statistical methods revealed a very low awareness level of the concept of climate change by the fish farmers even though they have considerable knowledge of major changes such as variation in rainfall pattern, increase temperature and delay in rainfall cessation, un-noticeable august break characterized by short dry season in their environment,. The artisanal fish farmers perceived low yield from fish capture to be a consequence of the negative impact of climate variability. As adaptation strategy, all the artisanal fish farmers resort to fishing afar, investment in improved vessel stability to checkmate the effect of increase surge/storm, while some resort to occupational change. The study recommends that Adult Education Agency be instituted in the fishing communities; since it is revealed that majority of the fish farmers are uneducated. Education and skills upgrading are powerful adaptive strategies for individuals, families and communities. Higher educational attainment may enable fisher folk to make a broader series of choices, ranging from engaging in safe construction practices to assessing potential risk that result in fewer deaths when an extreme event strikes.