VULNERABILITY OF SMALL-SCALE FISHERWOMEN TO FLOODING IN OWORONSHOKI AND SHOMOLU FISHING COMMUNITIES IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The flooding in Nigeria has gained national and global attention with its significant impact on fishing communities. However, there had been no specific reference to ameliorating the hardship being faced by fisherfolk, especially the fisherwomen, who were the most vulnerable to the flooding. Hence, this study examined the vulnerability of small-scale fisherwomen to flooding in Oworonshoki and Shomolu fishing communities. Primary data used for the study was collected with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire. This was complemented with qualitative data using Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussion. Atotal sample size of 60 fisherfolk was used. Findings revealed that women who were involved in fishing, shrimping, processing, and trading did not plan to relocate despite flooding experiences because their survival is water-dependent. The flood disrupted routine fishing activities and brought with it pollutants from industrial waste and runoff from canals, causing fish death and income loss. The fisherwomen have devised local means to survive the impact of flooding on their livelihood. The coping strategies engaged by them included not fishing when the water level was high, relocation of smoking kilns, expansion of sources of fish supply beyond their husbands and existing customers, as catches became poor. They organized themselves into groups to meet their needs and obtained loans from microfinance to survive the economic impacts of flooding. The women expressed their desire for the government's support in modernizing their landing sites and providing storage facilities, as well as cash gifts to support their activities.