Assessment of climate change knowledge and ecosystem health on blue economy livelihoods in selected Niger Delta States, Nigeria

This study investigated the determinants of climate change knowledge (CCKnw), environmental resilience (EnvRes), and participation in the blue economy among rural fishing households in selected coastal and riverine communities of Bayelsa and Rivers States in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Data were collected from 240 households using a multi-stage sampling technique, and the analysis employed descriptive statistics, correlation, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), binary logit, and multinomial logit models. Results revealed moderate awareness of climate change but limited access to infrastructure, education, and financial resources, which constrained sustainable engagement in blue economy activities. The correlation and OLS analyses indicated that education, cooperative membership, government initiatives, and access to credit positively influenced EnvRes. The logit model identified government programs and trust in research institutions as key predictors of CCKnw, underscoring the importance of institutional trust and policy support in shaping adaptive responses. The multinomial model further showed that education level, age, gender, marital status, blue economy occupation, and perceptions of government policy significantly influenced household resilience. Major challenges included limited access to finance (89%), inadequate infrastructure (87%), and environmental pollution (85%). The study concludes that strengthening institutional frameworks, improving access to credit and education, and promoting gender-inclusive governance are critical to enhancing the sustainability of the blue economy and climate resilience. Policy recommendations emphasize integrated coastal management, institutional capacity building, and stronger collaboration between research and policy actors to advance equitable, climate-smart marine development in the region.