ENHANCING COASTAL COMMUNITY EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY PRACTICES IN BAYELSA STATE

Abstract

This study looks at enhancing coastal community education for sustainable blue economy practices in Bayelsa state. The state, known for its heavy dependence on marine and coastal resources, faces environmental challenges such as overfishing, coastal erosion, and pollution. Coastal community education, aimed at promoting sustainable practices in fishing, aquaculture, and coastal farming, has been identified as a key tool for fostering environmental conservation and economic resilience. Using a descriptive survey research design, the study gathered data from 280 fishermen and farmers across selected local government areas of Nembe and Ogbia. and 90 educators from tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and
analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings suggest that there is a significant gap in the awareness of sustainable blue economy practices among coastal community members in Bayelsa State. However, community-based and locally relevant educational strategies are considered more impactful for raising awareness and encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices. Hence, it was recommended that improving internet access and digital literacy could
enhance the effectiveness of awareness among coastal community members. Investing in technology and training programs to build digital skills in coastal communities would enable greater use of online learning tools.