Climate Change, Food Security and the Challenges of the Mangrove Ecosystems of the Niger Delta

Climate change poses a significant threat to food security in the mangrove ecosystems of the Niger Delta, Nigeria, where coastal communities depend on fisheries, agriculture, and forest resources for their livelihoods. This paper examines the impacts of climate change on food production systems by exploring key challenges, including sea-level rise, flooding, saltwater intrusion, erratic rainfall, mangrove degradation, and declining fish stocks. It further analyzes the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of mangrove-dependent households, which are exacerbated by environmental degradation, poverty, and limited adaptive capacity. Drawing on existing literature, the paper highlights how these interacting stressors undermine food availability, access, utilization, and stability. It concludes that strengthening the resilience of mangrove ecosystems is essential for achieving sustainable food security in the Niger Delta. The paper recommends climate-smart agriculture, sustainable fisheries management, mangrove restoration, improved flood-control infrastructure, stronger environmental governance, and community-based adaptation strategies to enhance livelihood resilience and ensure long-term food security under changing climatic conditions.