STRATEGIES TO CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN NIGERIA: EFFECTIVENESS AND BARRIERS AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN WARRI SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA

Abstract

Climate change is eroding the natural resource base in Warri Southwest, Nigeria, where rising temperatures, recurrent flooding, and shifting rainfall patterns undermine fisheries, agriculture, and food security. This study examines the socio-demographic characteristics of rural households and evaluates the effectiveness and barriers of their adaptation strategies. Using a multistage sampling design across four climate-vulnerable communities, 240 valid household responses were collected through surveys and complemented by focus group discussions. Descriptive analysis was employed to assess adaptation practices, constraints, and perceived effectiveness. Findings reveal that households are predominantly young, economically active, and engaged in diverse livelihoods such as farming, fishing, and trading. Adaptation strategies widely adopted include livelihood diversification, relocation of fishing activities, and flood-control measures. While these approaches provide short-term coping benefits, adaptive capacity is constrained by financial exclusion, limited access to credit, weak extension services, inadequate infrastructure, and low education levels. Vulnerability in Warri Southwest is therefore shaped less by knowledge deficits than by structural and institutional barriers. Strengthening resilience requires integrated institutional, community-based, and technological interventions. Recommendations include expanding access to credit, enhancing climate education, strengthening extension services, investing in resilient infrastructure, and embedding adaptation into local development planning. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive policy frameworks to support rural households in transitioning from incremental coping strategies to sustainable, transformative adaptation pathways.