Swift Journal of Research in Environmental Studies (SJRES)
August 2015 Vol. 1(1), pp. 001-007

Copyright © 2015 Swift Journals


Original Research Paper

Assessment of Key Vulnerability Sectors and Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in Enugu State, Nigeria

Agu, N. N, Ekpo, F. E and Ajator, U. O

Department of Quantity Survey, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria Department of Biological Sciences, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, MkpatEnin L. G. Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: nathquant@yahoo.com

Accepted 26 August, 2015


Abstract

The assessment of vulnerability areas to climate change and adaptation measures was carried out in Enugu State, Nigeria. Different Participatory Research Approaches (PRA) methods were used, including in-depth interview, focus group discussion and structured questionnaires. Findings revealed that poor farmers in rural communities of Enugu State constitute 85% and the peasant farmers solely depend on the rain-fed agriculture and natural resources for survival; hence they are more vulnerable to climate change and climate variability. The major causes of climate change in the area are deforestation, agricultural activities, changes in the land use system, fossil fuel burning, sand mining and population growth. On the knowledge and level of awareness to climate change in the area, 62.5% of the respondents did not have any knowledge of climate, 53.8% did not know the causes of climate and 66.2% of the respondents could not identify the effect of climate change on their livelihood activities. The key vulnerability areas to climate change identified in Enugu state are water resources, agriculture, health, settlement, ecosystem and gender inequalities. Access to credit facilities, education and training programmes, diversification of their livelihoods and changes in sociocultural practices in Enugu State are necessary to support poor farmers to fully realize their potential for enhanced adaptive capacity to climate change impact in the area and elsewhere in Nigeria.

Keywords: Vulnerability Assessment, Adaptation Strategies, Climate Change, Enugu State.

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How To Cite This Article:

Agu, N. N, Ekpo, F. E and Ajator, U. O. Assessment of Key Vulnerability Sectors and Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in Enugu State, Nigeria. Swift Journal of Research in Environmental Studies 1(1), pp. 001-007.