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Climate Variability on Fishing Activities in
Inland Waters: Case of Owena River in Ondo
and Osun States, Nigeria
Adeleke Mosunmola Lydia, Jacob Victor Jerry, Desalegn Yayeh Ayal,
Akinola Joshua Oluwatobi, Ayodele Idowu Sunday, and
Ajibefun Igbekele Amos
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................. 2
The Chapter Design . . . ............................................................................ 4
Chapter Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Cronbach Alpha ................................................................................... 6
Distribution According to Gender and Age Group of Respondent in Owena Osun and Ondo
States .............................................................................................. 7
Secondary Occupation and Monthly Income of Respondent in Owena Osun and Ondo State . . . 8
Effect of Climate Variability on Fish Catch in Owena Ondo and Osun States ................. 9
Likely Effect of Climate Variability on Fisher Folks in Owena Ondo and Osun States ........ 11
Effect of Climate Variability on Fishing Techniques in Owena Ondo and Osun States . . .. . . . . 13
Effect of Variability in Climate on Choice of Fishing Equipment in Owena Ondo and Osun
States .............................................................................................. 14
Climatic Trends in Owena River Between 2008 and 2017: Wind Trends and Rainfall Pattern in
Owena Osun State Between 2008 and 2017 ..................................................... 15
Conclusion ........................................................................................ 16
References ........................................................................................ 18
A. M. Lydia (*) · J. V. Jerry · A. J. Oluwatobi · A. I. Sunday
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure
(FUTA), Akure, Nigeria
e-mail: mladeleke@futa.edu.ng
e-mail: jacobvictor402@yahoo.com;joesheathakinola@gmail.com;ayodeleidowusunday@gmail.
com
D. Y. Ayal
Center for Food Security Studies, College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia
e-mail: desalegn.yayeh@aau.edu.et
A. I. Amos
Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Federal University of Technology, Akure
(FUTA), Akure, Nigeria
e-mail: iaajibefun@futa.edu.ng
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
W. Leal Filho et al. (eds.), African Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42091-8_91-1
1
Abstract
This chapter examined the effects of climate variability on fishing activities in
inland waters: the case of Owena River in Ondo and Osun States, Nigeria. The
particular inland water body (Owena) was selected purposively because the
Owena River crosses across the two States (Ondo and Osun States). A total of
100 respondents/fisher folks were selected randomly. Primary data was used to
get information from the respondents with the aid of the structured questionnaire.
Secondary data was used to get information on the climate variability existing in
the locations in order to achieve the set objectives. Specifically, the effects of
climatic variables such as temperature, rainfall, and wind were determined on
fisher folk, fishing duration, fish catch, fishing techniques, and fishing equipment/
gears. Descriptive survey design was used to examine the demographic charac-
teristics of respondents. The result revealed that most of the respondents (96%)
were male. This chapter established that climate variability particularly strong
wind, rainfall, and temperature has adverse effects on fishing activities such as
reduction in fish catch, long duration of fishing, loss of fishing gear, change in
fishing techniques, and effect on health; hence, the livelihoods of the residence
are adversely affected on the long run. In addition to the adverse effect of poverty
and loss of life for the fisher folks. Although, the fisher folks livelihoods depend
mainly on fisheries resources and optimum fishing depends on favorable climate/
weather conditions. Therefore, proper preventive coping strategies against the
adverse effect of climate variables should be paramount in both States (Ondo and
Ekiti) to improve livelihoods and food security.
Keywords
Climate variability · Fishing activities · Inland waters · Livelihoods · Nigeria
Introduction
Climate variability is the observable change in atmospheric conditions of a given
area at a particular time usually 10 years. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change defined climate change or variability as any change in climate overtime,
whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activities. Temperature and
precipitation are the most common climate variables critical to measure with regard
to food systems. Climate variability poses a threat to the effective productivity and
sustainability of fishing activities and resources around the world. Climate variabil-
ities are changes or variation in climate condition due to factors such as anthropo-
genic factors, e.g., bush burning, release of fossil fuel, and other biochemical
activities which will consequently lead to global warming, loss of abundant fisheries
resources and other agricultural resources, and also depletion of ozone layer
(Cheung et al. 2009).
Climate plays an important role in the world. Because most livelihood and living
resources depend on suitable climatic condition for survival and continuity, its
2 A. M. Lydia et al.
effects can be felt directly or indirectly. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) predicted that during the next decades, billions of people, especially
those in developing countries, will face changes in rainfall patterns that will con-
tribute to severe water shortages or flooding, rising temperatures that will cause
shifts in crop growing season, and aquatic organism distribution.
Climate change and global warming will definitely cause adverse effects on the
livelihoods of the populace in Nigeria if not prevented, and it will affect crop
production, livestock production, fisheries, forestry, and post-harvest activities,
because the rainfall regimes and patterns will be altered, floods which devastate
farmlands would occur, increase in temperature and humidity which increases pest
and disease would occur, and other natural disasters like floods, ocean, and storm
surges, which not only damage Nigerians’livelihood but also cause harm to life and
property, would occur.
Nigeria is a West African country found in the tropics; it has only two seasons
which are the dry season and the raining season. The country is one of the most
populated countries in the world with over 180 million people and is blessed with
abundant aquatic resources. However, Nigeria is vulnerable to climate change
impacts due to its geography, location, climate, vegetation, soils, economic structure,
population and settlement, energy demands, and agricultural activities.
The prominence and persistence of climate change has made it a global menace
with adverse effects borne by developing nations (Agbebi and Omoniyi 2011).
Global disasters perpetrated by storm-surge, flood, coastal erosion, and other natural
hazards have brought much anxiety and bewilderment to the world governing
agencies. These impacts and implications are profound as they occur through the
increasing changes in water temperature/sea levels (Adeleke and Omoboyeje 2016).
Fisheries is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, and it provides
employment, food, income, and recreation for many people globally. The depen-
dence of the human populace on fishing activities as a major source of food and
livelihood is linked to the rich nutritional composition of fisheries products (fish,
crayfish, prawn, shrimps, etc.), palatability, digestibility, and high source of animal
protein, omega fatty acid, and vitamins.
Despite these numerous and enviable benefits, fisheries resources, functions, and
structures have come under intense threat due to the extensive and increasing
anthropogenic activities that exist in and around various water bodies. These result
in a wide array of problems for both the aquatic resources users and decision makers.
These anthropogenic activities often lead to induced climate change which have
shown to have apparent effect on aquatic ecosystems, the economic and social
system that depends on them (World Fish Centre 2006; Perry et al. 2009).
Recent studies on the effect of climate change on aquaculture production and
management in Akure metropolis, Ondo State, and also the occurrences of climate
change and its effect on the fishing activities in the coastal region of Ondo State
(Adeleke and Omoboyeje 2016; Adeleke and Balogun 2013), respectively, have
revealed the occurrences of climate variability and its effect on fishing activities
through alteration in temperature, wind pattern, rainfall pattern, water qualities, and
availability.
Climate Variability on Fishing Activities in Inland Waters: Case of Owena... 3
Severe effects such as great reduction in aquatic resources, low fish catch,
reduced fish production, slow growth rate, increase in boat mishap, loss of lives,
poverty, etc. arise mainly from increased flooding, variation in rainfall pattern and
intensity, and rising temperature. Idowu et al. (2011) reported that the impacts of
climate change are expected to exacerbate the impacts of human pressure which will
further diminish the ability of natural ecosystems to continue to provide ecosystem
services and may cause invasion of strange species that are favored by climate
change thereby threatening biodiversity. Also, poor adaptation strategies and high
dependence on fisheries have been reported to expose small-scale fisher folks in
most developing country to climate change (Allison et al. 2009). These effects
impact on fish species composition, production, and yield, risk of health and life
of fisher folk, and loss and damage to livelihood assets. Therefore, the fisher folk will
have to seek adaptation and mitigation strategies in order to sustain their livelihood.
The inhabitants of Ondo and Osun are mostly small-scale commercial fish
farmers that depend on fisheries resources as a source of food and livelihood.
However, climate variability may threaten their livelihood and infrastructural devel-
opment. Hence, there is the need to identify the pathways through which climate
variability and change are impacting or likely to impact the fishing-dependent
communities. This will also help policy makers in implementing adaptive strategies
to be able to withstand and cope with these adverse climate variability. This research
work will examine the effect of climate variability on fishing activities in Owena
Ondo and Osun States.
The following research questions were answered in this chapter. What are the
effects in Owena, Nigeria, are of temperature, rainfall, and wind variability on fish
catch; rainfall, temperature, and wind variability on fishing techniques and equip-
ment; rainfall, temperature, and wind variability on fishing duration; and rainfall,
temperature, and wind variability on fisher folks.
The Chapter Design
The chapter design that is adopted in this chapter is descriptive survey designed to
obtain precise information on the current status of climate change and to possibly
draw a valid conclusion from the survey. It should be noted that there are no climate
change nor meteorological records in the area as observed limitation of the chapter.
Owena Ondo State and Owena Osun State were used. Owena Ondo is located at
geographical coordinate 7° 12
0
000 North, 5° 1
0
000 East, while Owena Osun is located
at latitude 7.19908 and longitude 5.018267 degree. Both areas were purposively
selected based on general fishing activities, trading, accessibility, and anthropogenic
activities (Figs. 1and 2).
4 A. M. Lydia et al.
Chapter Design
A multistage sampling technique was used to select the samples in this chapter. The
first stage involved the purposive selection of Owena Ijesa Ori Ade Osun State and
Owena Market road Ondo East Local Government and Owena Ondo State. The
justification of the selection is based on the fact that the two locations are close and
prominent for fishing activities and have the same water body flow to both locations.
The target population are fisher folk, and fishermen in Owena Ondo State and Owena
Osun State were purposively selected based on their closeness of the site and the
prominent fishing activities in the area. Primary data from fisher folks were collected
with the aid of an interview schedule using structured questionnaire. 50 question-
naires each were administered to both locations making it 100 in total. The interview
schedules were divided into sections based on the objectives of the research. Data
obtained from various sources were processed before analysis. The data were edited,
coded, and entered for analysis in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
Summary tables were then prepared to facilitate recording and further analysis. Data
obtained through questionnaire were analyzed using quantitative methods. The data
from the questionnaire were subjected to computation of simple statistics such as
frequencies, percentages, tabulations, and cross-tabulations and presented in form of
tables, graphs, and charts.
Fig. 1 Map of Nigeria. (Source: Authors’Download: Google map, 2018)
Climate Variability on Fishing Activities in Inland Waters: Case of Owena... 5
A multistage sampling technique was used to select the samples in this chapter.
The first stage involved the purposive selection of Owena Ijesa Ori Ade Osun State
and Owena Market road Ondo East local Government.
Cronbach Alpha
Cronbach alpha (α) was used to analyze the sufficiency of the survey instrument.
Cronbach sα¼NC
VþN1
ðÞ
:C
Where:
N¼No of items (12)
C¼Average inter –item covariance among the items
V¼Average variance
The survey instrument for this chapter is sufficient because Cronbach alpha is
greater than 0.6.
Fig. 2 Map of study area. (Source: Authors’Download: Google map, 2018)
6 A. M. Lydia et al.
Distribution According to Gender and Age Group of Respondent
in Owena Osun and Ondo States
The distribution according to gender and age group of the populace involve in
fishing activities in this chapter is presented in Figs. 3and 4, respectively. The result
revealed that all of the respondent (100%) in Owena Ondo were males, while 92% of
the respondents in Owena Osun were male and 8% females. The pooled result
revealed that 96% of the respondents were males while 4% were females. The
high percentage of men involvement in fishing as revealed by the most of the
Owena Osun state Owena Ondo state
MALE 46 50
FEMALE 40
46 50
40
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Axis Title
Gender Distribution
MALE FEMALE
Fig. 3 Gender distribution of respondents
Below 21 21- 30 31-40 41-50
Owena Osun state 8% 52% 38% 2%
Owena Ondo state 6% 24% 40% 30%
8%
52%
38%
2%
6%
24%
40%
30%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Age Distribution of Respondents
Owena Osun state Owena Ondo state
Fig. 4 Age distribution of respondents
Climate Variability on Fishing Activities in Inland Waters: Case of Owena... 7
respondents in the areas attest to high-risk associated fishing. In addition, the
extensive involvement of women in post-harvest fish processing and fish trading
might have accounted for their low percentage in fishing in both States inland water
environs.
The mainstream of the respondent (52%) were between 21and 31 years, 38% of
the respondents were between 31and 40 years, 8% <21 years, and 2% were between
41 and 50 years. This implies that the pooled age brackets were within the age group
of 21–45 years. This age bracket is considered to be the most economical, vibrant,
resourceful, and productive group when considering the energy required to carry out
a tedious activity like fishing and the need to source for income and livelihood.
Secondary Occupation and Monthly Income of Respondent in
Owena Osun and Ondo State
The secondary occupation and monthly income of the populace involve in fishing
activities in the areas is presented in Figs. 5and 6, respectively.
Agriculture was revealed as the major source of income in both States. The
chapter revealed that 60% of the respondents in Owena Osun had their secondary
occupation as agriculture (fishing), followed by net mending work (22%) and
manual work (18%), while in Owena Ondo, agriculture as secondary occupation
was 78%, followed by manual work (6%), net mending (4%), and other income
sources (2%). The monthly incomes of the respondents from fishing activities as
shown in this chapter were as follows: 50% of the respondents in Owena Osun earn
between #25,000 and 35,000, 26% between #5000 and 15,000, 14% over #35,000,
60%
18%
0%
22%
0
78%
6%
04% 2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Owena Osun Owena Ondo
Fig. 5 Secondary occupation
of respondent
8 A. M. Lydia et al.
while 10% earn below #5000. Likewise in Owena Ondo, 50% earn over #35,000,
20% below #5000 naira, 16% between #5000 and 15,000, and 14% between 25,000
and 35,000.
The result in this chapter implies that fishing activities in the area might not be
sustaining the living standard of the populace and might be the reason why most of
the respondents took agriculture as their secondary occupation.
Effect of Climate Variability on Fish Catch in Owena Ondo and
Osun States
The effect of wind, rainfall, and temperature on fish catch in Owena Ondo and Osun
States is presented in Table 1.
The result in this chapter revealed that variability in wind patterns often affects
fish catch in the aquatic ecosystem. As shown in Table 1, 88% and 90% of the
respondents observed that strong winds reduce fish catch in Owena Ondo and Osun
State, respectively. During moderate wind, 2% and 10% of the respondents reported
very low fish catch, 38% and 30% reported high catch, 20% and 10% observe very
high catch, while 34% and 50% observe normal fish catch in Owena Ondo and Osun
State, respectively. Also, the impact of waves on fish catch by respondents revealed
that 52% causes regular and normal catch in the two States, while 36% and 48%
cause low catch in Owena Ondo and Osun, respectively. The availability of fish for
harvest in various aquatic environments is often affected by variation in wind
patterns. This often results in the destruction of fishing infrastructure,
10%
26%
50%
14%
20%
16% 14%
50%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Owena Osun Owena Ondo
Fig. 6 Income per month of
respondent
Climate Variability on Fishing Activities in Inland Waters: Case of Owena... 9
Table 1 Result showing the effect of climate variability on fish catch in Owena Ondo and Osun States
Variables Very low Low catch Normal catch High catch Very high catch
States Ondo Osun Ondo Osun Ondo Osun Ondo Osun Ondo Osun
F%F%F%F%F%F%F%F%F%F%
Strong wind 14 28 20 40 30 60 25 50 6 12 5 10 0 0 000000
Moderate wind 12003651017342550193815301020510
Waves 3600153024482652234648362400
High rainfall 0 0 15 30 2 4 22 44 7 14 8 16 13 26 4 8 23 46 1 2
Moderate rainfall 0024363611221530234625501326510
Absence of rainfall 12002491810204851071432643060
Flooding 1 2 22 44 2 4 16 32 14 28 3 6 14 28 5 10 19 38 5 10
High temperature 1 2 38 76 30 60 6 12 8 16 36363681600
Moderate temperature 000036481112265220402040163200
Low temperature 6 12 2 4 21 42 33 66 23 46 10 20 0 0 000000
10 A. M. Lydia et al.
submergence/loss of fishing boats with adverse effects on fisher folks, and reduction
in the number of catches. Trotman (2009) and Crandall (2009) opined that changes
in wind patterns and extreme weather conditions can be damaging to fish production,
distribution, abundance, and the fisheries industries as they cause destruction of the
fishing gear, vessels, and biodiversity, thus becoming a major setback to the fishing
community. The findings support the report of Jallow et al. (1999) who observed
changes in wind pattern and adduced it to changes in climatic regimes.
There was marked variation in the rainfall pattern across the two states with
different impacts on fish catch. In Owena Ondo, 46% of the respondents observed
very high catch, 26% high catch, and 18% low catch during high rainfall. During
moderate rainfall, 46% of the respondents observed high catch, 26% very high catch,
22% normal catch, and 6% low catch. During flooding, 66% of the respondents
observed that catch is high, while 6% observe low catch. In Owena Osun, 2% of the
respondents observed very high catch, 8% high catch, and 54% low catch during
high rainfall. During moderate rainfall, 50% of the respondents observed high catch,
10% very high catch, 30% normal catch, and 10% low catch. 76% of the respondents
observed low catch during flooding, while 20% observed high catch. Although
changes in rainfall pattern have often proof to have different impacts on the duration
of fishing, the high catch observed during high rainfall could be as a result of influx
of fresh water which could have led to increase in fish growth and performances. In
addition, many aquatic species tend to reproduce and migrate during raining seasons
due to water and nutrients availability, thus supporting high biomass and catch.
Most of the respondents in both locations reported low fish catch during high and
low temperature. 40% and 88% reported low fish catch during high temperature,
while 19% and 6% observed high catch in Owena Ondo and Osun, respectively.
Also, during low temperatures, 54% 70% of the respondents reported low fish catch
in Owena, Ondo and Osun, respectively. The low fish catch during high and low
temperature implies a warming trend in the areas. Changes in temperature can
change the dynamics of aquatic environments, thus resulting in changes in the
migration patterns of fish and reduced fish landings (African-Action 2007).
Likely Effect of Climate Variability on Fisher Folks in Owena Ondo
and Osun States
The likely effect of climate variability such as wind, rainfall, and temperature on
fisher folks in both locations is presented in Table 2.
In both locations, most of the respondents (94% and 100% in Owena Ondo and
Osun, respectively) observed and stated the adverse effect of strong winds on fisher
folks. This impact varies from loss of fishing gear (traps and nets), sickness (body
injuries), and death. Majority of the respondents (100% and 98% in Owena Ondo
and Osun, respectively) preferred moderate, calm wind for their fishing activities. It
was also observed by most of the respondents in both states that wave and stormy
conditions lead to loss of fishing equipment.
Climate Variability on Fishing Activities in Inland Waters: Case of Owena... 11
Table 2 Result showing the effect of climate variability on fisher folks in Owena Ondo and Osun States
Variables Might lead to fisher folks death Sickness Loss of fishing gears No effect
States Ondo Osun Ondo Osun Ondo Osun Ondo Osun
F % F % F%F%F%F%F% F%
Strong wind 0 0 2 4 7 14 0 0 43 86 48 96 3 6 0 0
Moderate wind 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 50 100 49 98
Waves 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 60 34 68 19 38 16 32
High rainfall 10 2 16 32 45 90 10 20 14 28 36 72 3 6 2 4
Moderate rain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 50 100 49 98
Absence of rainfall 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 100 50 100
Flooding 1 2 22 40 31 62 15 30 13 26 39 78 9 18 2 4
High temperature 1 2 6 12 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 50 100 42 84
Moderate temperature 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 50 100 49 98
Low temperature 1 2 0 0 4 8 2 4 0 0 0 0 46 92 48 96
12 A. M. Lydia et al.
The results in this chapter also revealed the effect of changes in rainfall pattern in
both locations. In Owena Ondo State, 90% of the respondents observed high rainfall
which results into sickness such as cold and malaria from mosquito bite on the fisher
folks, 28% observed the loss of fishing gear in waters, while 20% revealed fisher
folks might die as a result of high rainfall. In Owena Osun, the majority of the
respondents (72%) observed the loss of gear during high rainfall, 32% observed that
it might lead to the death of fisher folks, while 20% observed various sickness on the
fisher folks. The major impact of flooding in both locations was sickness and loss of
fishing gears and death.
The adverse effect of climate variability on the fisher folks was clearly evident in
this chapter. The impacts of strong wind, waves, rainfall, flooding, and temperature
were strongly observed by the respondents to cause sicknesses (malaria, cholera),
physical injuries, destruction/loss of fishing gears, and death from boat submergence
and climatic shocks. Badjeck et al. (2009,2010) observed the same effects in their
studies and noted it to be inimical to health and safety of the fisher folks and
deleterious to sustainable livelihood.
Effect of Climate Variability on Fishing Techniques in Owena
Ondo and Osun States
The effect of climate variability on fishing techniques in both locations is presented
in Table 3.
This chapter revealed that most of the respondents observed the adverse effect of
climate variability on the fishing techniques in both locations. During strong winds
and storms, most of the respondents (59.38% and 83.33%) do fishing using other
Table 3 Percentage of respondents on effect of climate variability on fishing techniques in Owena
Ondo and Osun States
States Ondo Osun
Variables
Normal fishing
method
(active)
Other fishing
method
(passive)
Normal fishing
method
(active)
Other fishing
method
(passive)
F% F% F% F%
Strong wind 13 40.63 19 59.38 7 16.67 35 83.33
Moderate wind 19 59.38 11 34.38 34 80.95 7 16.67
Waves 15 46.88 17 53.13 19 45.24 23 54.76
High rainfall 11 34.38 19 59.38 16 38.09 26 61.9
Moderate rain 18 56.25 14 43.75 37 88.1 5 11.9
Absence of rainfall 14 43.75 18 56.25 30 71.43 12 28.57
Flooding 14 43.75 31 62 10 23.81 32 76.19
High temperature 15 46.88 17 53.13 37 88.1 5 11.9
Moderate temperature 22 68.75 10 31.25 39 92.86 3 7.14
Low temperature 19 59.38 13 40.63 32 76.19 10 23.81
Climate Variability on Fishing Activities in Inland Waters: Case of Owena... 13
fishing method (passive method), while 40.63% and 16.67% use normal fishing
method techniques (active method) in Owena Ondo and Osun, respectively. During
waves, 53.13% and 54.76% use other fishing method, while 46.88% and 45.24% use
normal fishing method in Owena Ondo and Osun, respectively.
The result also revealed that fishing techniques change during high rainfall as
59.38% and 61.90% use the other techniques as opposed to the usual fishing
methods in Owena Ondo and Osun, respectively. During flooding, 62% and
76.19% use unusual fishing method, while 43.75% and 23.81% use normal fishing
method in Owena Ondo and Osun, respectively.
Most of the respondents (53.13% and 88.10%) reported the use of other methods
of fishing during high temperatures, while 46.88% and 11.09% reported the use of
the usual methods of fishing in Owena Ondo and Osun, respectively.
The effect of climate variability was visible on the various methods and tech-
niques of fishing. The techniques of fishing referred to as the normal methods of
fishing include the use of cast nets, gill nets, hand lines, and beach seine nets that is
the active fishing, while the other methods of fishing include trapping, long line
fishing, and use of baskets, i.e., the passive fishing.
Effect of Variability in Climate on Choice of Fishing Equipment in
Owena Ondo and Osun States
The effect of climate variability on the choice of fishing equipment in both locations
is presented in Table 4.
This chapter revealed that strong winds destroy 88% and 66% fishing equipment,
6% and 40% causes sinking of gears in Owena Ondo and Osun state, respectively.
Table 4 Percentage response of respondents on the effect of climate variability on fishing
equipment in Owena Ondo and Osun
Variables
Destruction of
fishing gears
Sinking of fishing
gears No effect on equipment
States Ondo Osun Ondo Osun Ondo Osun
F%F%F%F%F% F%
Strong wind 44 88 28 56 3 6 20 40 3 6 2 4
Moderate wind 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 50 100 49 98
Waves 33 66 20 40 3 6 15 30 16 32 15 30
High rainfall 5 10 15 30 37 74 36 72 12 24 5 10
Moderate rain 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 50 100 49 98
Absence of rainfall 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 50 100 48 96
Flooding 18 36 30 60 26 52 34 68 15 30 5 10
High temperature 0 0 4 8 0 0 0 0 50 100 46 92
Moderate
temperature
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 100 50 100
Low temperature 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 100 50 100
14 A. M. Lydia et al.
66% and 40% of the respondents revealed the impact of waves on the destruction of
fishing equipment in Owena Ondo and Osun, respectively. Also, 74% and 52% of
the respondents showed that fishing equipment sink during high rainfall and high
flooding, respectively, in Owena Ondo, while 72% and 68% reported the same
scenario in Owena Osun. The effect of climate variability on the fishing equipment
was strongly observed in the areas. The loss of physical capital equipment (gears and
nets) compounded with a deteriorating financial asset base from strong winds,
waves, and high rainfall would have had a significant effect on livelihoods in the
areas.
The periods of moderate winds and rainfall were observed by the respondents to
be the most convenient and secure for fishing equipment. However, temperature
variations were observed to have no effect on the fishing equipment in both
locations.
Climatic Trends in Owena River Between 2008 and 2017: Wind
Trends and Rainfall Pattern in Owena Osun State Between 2008
and 2017
The statistical records on wind and rainfall data were obtained from the Department
of Meteorological/Climate Science Technology Department of the Federal Univer-
sity of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, as presented in this chapter. Figure 7shows the
monthly trend of wind data for Owena Osun (2008–2017); Fig. 8shows annual
rainfall pattern/data for Owena Osun State (2008–2017); and Fig. 9shows monthly
rainfall pattern/data for Owena Osun State: 2008–2017. The record reveals over the
10 years duration of the wind trends and rainfall pattern. For the 10 years under
consideration (between 2008 and 2017), a decreased trend in the average wind speed
across the months from September to December was observed. The highest wind
speed was in the month of March and the lowest wind speed in the month of June.
Also, the recorded data on rainfall from 2008 to 2017 showed an increasing trend
in annual rainfall. The irregularity in rainfall pattern from these records points a clear
indication to weather and climate variability; some years like 2014, 2015, and 2011
have exceptionally high average rainfall. These trends certainly will affect fishing
activities. More so, fluctuation in the pattern of rainfall will have both positive and
negative impacts on fish catch in the inland Owena water. As opined by Adeleke and
Fagbenro (2013), fluctuations in the climate variables will pose adverse effect on the
fisher folks and fisheries activities in the coastal areas of Nigeria. In addition, strong
winds according to Jallow et al. (1999) have adverse effects on fishing infrastructure
as fishing vessels get destroyed, lost, or submerge
Climate Variability on Fishing Activities in Inland Waters: Case of Owena... 15
Conclusion
This chapter revealed that climate variability has affected fishing activities, fisheries
resources, and structures in Owena Osun and Ondo State. The potential impacts of
climate change range from impact on the fisher folk, some of which are loss and
destruction of fishing equipment’s, impact on health, alteration in fishing duration,
alteration in fish catch, and change in fishing techniques and equipment. It was also
observed that the success and optimum benefit derived from fishing is dependent on
favorable climatic conditions. Fisher folk and fishermen that depend on fisheries
resources as a source of livelihood will continue to be at risk if proper preventive
strategies and measures against the adverse effect of climate and food insecurity are
not set in place. This chapter, therefore, recommends the need for extension educa-
tion and innovation on the various possible strategies, fishing techniques, equipment,
and beneficial knowledge to help fisher folks to be able to counter or lessen the
adverse effect of climate variability in order for fisher folks to attain maximum
sustainable catch.
januray
february
march
april
may
june
july
august
september
october
november
december
monthly wind speed(ms-1) 16.514 16.995 18.536 17.903 16.2 16.858 17.911 18.466 15.674 13.251 13.572 15.514
16.514
16.995
18.536
17.903
16.2
16.858
17.911
18.466
15.674
13.251
13.572
15.514
MONTHLY WIND SPEED(MS-1) OF OWENA OSUN
FROM 2008-2017
Fig. 7 Monthly trend of wind data for Owena: 2008–2017. (Source: Climate Records of Depart-
ment of Meteorological/Climate Science Technology, The Federal University of Technology,
Akure. Nigeria, 2018)
16 A. M. Lydia et al.
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Annnual Rainfall (m) 0.0207340.023527 0.022273 0.19266 0.025148 0.024114 0.25194 0.24114 0.024771 0.023188
0.020734
0.023527
0.022273
0.19266
0.025148
0.024114
0.25194
0.24114
0.024771
0.023188
RANGE(M)
ANNUAL RAINFALL (M)
Annnual Rainfall (m) Linear (Annnual Rainfall (m))
Fig. 8 Annual rainfall pattern/data for Owena Osun State: 2008–2017. (Source: Climate Records
of Department of Meteorological/Climate Science Technology, The Federal University of Technol-
ogy, Akure. Nigeria, 2018)
january februar
ymarch april may june july august septem
ber october novemb
er
decemb
er
rainfall (m) 0.00392 0.00814 0.01526 0.0221 0.02615 0.02633 0.02922 0.02688 0.03387 0.0252 0.01111 0.00201
0.003915
0.008143
0.01526
0.022095
0.026147
0.026329
0.029224
0.026879
0.033869
0.025199
0.011105
0.002011
)M(LLAFNIARYLHTNOM
MONTHLY RAINFALL OF OWENA ONDO STATE
FROM 2017-2018
rainfall (m) Linear (rainfall (m))
Fig. 9 Monthly rainfall pattern/data for Owena Osun State: 2008–2017. (Source: Climate Records
of Department of Meteorological/Climate Science Technology, The Federal University of Technol-
ogy, Akure. Nigeria, 2018)
Climate Variability on Fishing Activities in Inland Waters: Case of Owena... 17
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