Aspects of Impacts of Proposed Badagry Deep Sea Port on the Ecosystem and Livelihood of Fishing Communities in Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Federal government of Nigeria, in collaboration with Lagos State Government proposed development of a seaport in Badagry. This research examined and documented the current state of the ecosystem and livelihood of thirteen communities that will be impacted by the proposed deep-sea port. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used for the study. Review of secondary data was used to investigate the demographic data of the community while Participatory Rural Appraisal was conducted for 300 households in the communities. Majority of the sampled respondents were in the age range of 45 years and above with females (60%) more than males (40%) in the entire population sampled. Educational levels of the respondents are relatively low. The majority of the sampled households have multiple livelihood systems that keep them engaged throughout all seasons of the year. Capture fisheries is the major occupation in the study area and it is complemented with aquaculture. Existing groups are not strong enough to operate as a pressure group to influence policies and regulate market prices, which has been identified as a major limitation in the study area. There was no regular training or capacity building. Hence the groups were not operating as a business enterprise and could not expand or increase capacity. Consequently not able to contribute significantly to poverty alleviation and increase employment opportunities in their localities. This document will serve as one of the guides to the government for decision-making and compensation to the communities.