Climatic Change Adaptation Strategies and Its Effectiveness in Relation to Buildings of Ayetoro Community, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Climate change is a global phenomenon that has already begun to alter ecosystems and disrupt traditional patterns of weather and oceanic conditions. Adaptation strategies to climate change impacts that cannot be avoided particularly in the aspect of buildings, is absolutely an important aspect of global response. Study Purpose: The study examined the climatic change adaptation strategies adopted by the residents of Ayetoro community and its effectiveness. Methodology: The data was gathered using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire, sectioned into three different parts. The 27 instruments of the questionnaire had 0.878 Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient.  A total of 379 respondents were sampled based on Krejcie and Morgan [1] sample size calculation. The collected were presented by means of frequencies & percentage on tables and graph. Analysis to achieve objective was conducted using descriptive statistical tools (Mean, Median and Standard Deviation). Median represents cut-off point and serves as the baseline for decision. Results: The study found that all climate change adaptation strategy falls within the interval level of Strongly Agree level, except relocating permanently which falls within the neither agree nor disagree and Remain in the house, which falls within the Disagree interval level. Climate change adaptation strategies such as relocating temporarily, remaining in the house, erecting a barrier/fortifying the house, digging trenches around the house, placing valuable goods on higher level and raising ground floor level were found effective climate change adaptation strategies (Mean scores are equal or greater than median which is the cut-off point). Meanwhile, climate change adaptation strategies such as permanent relocation, construction of new drains and clearing of drainage were found not effective strategies (Mean score are less than median which is the cut-off point). Long-Term Sustainability: A more detailed exploration of the long-term sustainability of these adaptation strategies reveals that while many are effective in the short term, their viability must be assessed in the context of evolving climate conditions and socio-economic factors. For instance, strategies like erecting barriers and fortifying houses may provide immediate protection, but their effectiveness could diminish over time due to the increasing severity of climate events. Moreover, community engagement in the planning and implementation of these strategies is essential to ensure they are culturally acceptable and economically feasible. The sustainability of temporary relocation relies on the availability of resources and support for displaced individuals, while strategies involving modifications to existing structures must consider ongoing maintenance and adaptability to future climate scenarios. By identifying effective adaptation strategies, the research provides a framework that can be utilized to guide future interventions aimed at enhancing community resilience to climate change.