Climate Variability Perceptions and Choice of Coping Strategies among Artisanal Fisher Folks in Ondo State, Nigeria

The study examines perceptions and climate variability coping strategies among artisanal fisher folks in Ondo state, Nigeria. One hundred twenty respondents were selected through a two stage sampling procedure, and cross-sectional data was collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and the multinomial logit (MNL) model were employed for analysis. The results show that 59% of respondents noted lower fish catch, accompanied by 68.33% who noted increased costs of fishing owing to greater distances and prolonged hours spent on fishing. Climate variability had an inconsistent effect on the fishing duration, 57% suggested it increased while 47% suggested it decreased. In addition, 56.33% reduced their fishing days because of adverse climatic conditions, and 69.67% noted reduced lifespan of the fishing aids. The gear longevity was greatly reduced. 62.67% reported no changes in conflicts at the sites, while 37.33% reported increased conflicts. As a reaction, fisher folks employed various coping mechanisms which include staying longer at expeditions (70.33%), increasing the distance to the fishing area (70.33%), moving to new sites (37.67%), changing the fishing period (24.33%), changing the fishing gear (16%), and taking up other jobs (40%). The MNL model showed nine of the proposed coping strategy factors were significant, with gender being the only non-significant factor.   Shifting fishing periods emerged as the most preferred strategy.  Age negatively affected household migration and increasing distance to the new location, while more household members, higher education levels, and increased fishing experience aided more labour intensive approaches. Additionally, canoe dimensions, access to technology, and contact with extension services influenced choices regarding coping strategies.  Indigenous fisher folks moved the least due to environmental familiarity. The study asserts that because climate variability poses significant challenges to the livelihood of artisanal fishers, therefore, to enhance resilience, policies must prioritize improved access to education, modern technologies, extension services, climate information, and sustainable fishing practices, while promoting effective governance.