Determinants of climate change adaptation strategies used by fish farmers in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

BACKGROUND Undesirable impacts of climate change have been a common occurrence that has made fish farmers in developing countries adopt some climate-change adaptation strategies. However, little is known about determinants of climate-change adaptation strategies used by these fish farmers. This study, therefore, articulates novelties on adaptation to climate change, as well ascertains determinants of adaptation strategies used by fish farmers in Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria. RESULTS Climate change adaptation strategies mostly used by fish farmers include frequent seeking for early warning information about climate change (76.7%) and avoidance of areas susceptible to flooding (60.0%). Climate-change adaptation strategies used by fish farmers were significantly influenced by access to early warning information (beta = 7.21), knowledge of farmers about climate change adaptation strategies (beta = 8.86), access to capital (beta = 28.25), and participation in workshop and conferences (beta = 37.19) but were reduced by number of fish stocking (beta = -2.06). CONCLUSION The adaptation strategies used by fish farmers were autonomous and mostly determined by the access to credit facilities and information. Development policy should focus on carbon capture and storage technology in order to reduce adverse impacts of climate change, as well as making early warning information on climate change available to fish farmers. These will enhance adaptation to climate change. (c) 2013 Society of Chemical Industry