The Economic Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Communities in Rivers State: A Survey Method

Abstract

With an emphasis on the susceptibility of coastal communities in Rivers State, Nigeria to climate-related calamities, this research evaluates the economic consequences of climate change on them. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data gathering and analysis techniques. While the qualitative data was gathered through in-depth interviews with twenty (20) key informants, the quantitative data was obtained through a survey of eight hundred (800) participants. Findings of the research reviewed that climate change has major economic effects on coastal areas of Rivers State including loss of employment, infrastructure damage, affects farming season and more poverty and disparity. The research recommended that policymakers should create and put into action policies to assist coastal communities adapt and be resilient to climate change, including financing infrastructure resistant to climate change, giving social services, access to credit and encouraging sustainable livelihoods.