Assessment of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Among Fishing Communities in Sokoto State

This study assessed the climate change adaptation strategies being employed by fishing communities along the Sokoto River in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. Fishing communities in Nigeria's arid north are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including declining water levels, increasing water temperatures, and unpredictable seasonal patterns, all of which directly affect fish productivity. Focus group discussions and structured interviews were conducted with 96 fishing community members, cooperative leaders, and local fisheries extension officers across six communities. Data collected covered observed environmental changes, livelihood impacts, adaptation measures adopted, and barriers to further adaptation. Results showed that 88 percent of respondents had observed significant declines in fish catches over the preceding decade, which they attributed primarily to reduced river flows and extended dry seasons. Adaptation measures in use included seasonal migration to alternative water bodies, diversification into small-scale farming and livestock rearing, modification of fishing gear to target smaller species, and adoption of reduced fishing effort during low-water periods. Institutional adaptation supports, including government restocking programmes or fisheries climate funds, had been accessed by only 11 percent of respondents. Information access on weather forecasting and river flow data was extremely limited. The study recommends the development of climate information services tailored to fishing communities, diversification support programmes, and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into formal climate adaptation planning for the fisheries sector in Sokoto State. Keywords: climate change adaptation, fishing communities, Sokoto River, livelihoods, North West Nigeria