SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND PERCEPTION OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY AMONG WOMEN FISH MARKETERS IN YOLA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Women dominate the post-harvest segment of Nigeria's fish value chain, yet the socio-demographic characteristics that shape their exposure and perception of climate variability remain poorly documented at the local government level, particularly in the Benue River floodplain of north-eastern Nigeria. This study characterized the socio-demographic profile of women fish marketers in Yola North Local Government Area (LGA), Adamawa State, and assessed their awareness of and exposure to, climate variability. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 334 women fish marketers drawn from three markets (Jimeta Modern Market, Jambutu Park, and Jimeta Old Market) using structured questionnaires complemented by in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS version 26. Respondents were predominantly aged 31–50 years (71.9%), married (61.3%), and had no formal or only primary education (67.7% combined). Most had 5–15 years of trading experience (64.2%) and dealt mainly in smoked fish (48.2%) sourced from local fishermen (52.3%). Awareness of changing weather patterns was almost universal (91.4%), with irregular rainfall (68.7%), prolonged dry seasons (59.3%) and rising temperature (54.1%) most frequently observed, while flooding (39.6%) was identified as the single most damaging climatic event. Women fish marketers in Yola North constitute a demographically homogeneous but structurally disadvantaged trading population whose low educational attainment and localized supply dependence heighten their exposure to climate variability despite near-universal experiential awareness of it. Gender- and literacy-responsive climate information services are recommended.