Abstract
This study examines the analysis of efficiency and effect of climate change on Periwinkle Harvesters in Akwa Ibom State. The objectives were to
assess the socioeconomic characteristics of the periwinkle harvesters, determine technical efficiency of periwinkle harvesters, determine the effect
of climate change on periwinkle harvesters. Analytical methods used included, descriptive statistics, four – point likert scale and multiple regression.
The results showed’ that majority of periwinkle harvesters were female (63%), 46.30% of the respondents were married, 42.59% were single and
11.30 % were divorced. A total of 55% had secondary education, 28.8% had primary education and 16.3 % had no formal education. Majority
of the respondents engaged in periwinkle harvesting as their major occupation, 47.4% earned above the mean income level of 36,962.50. From the
results, handpicking was the most commonly used method of harvesting. The respondents were all aware of the existence of climate change but
only a few of them had knowledge about the nature of effect, climate change has on harvesting. From the findings the major constraints faced by
the harvesters was sea rise and presence of predators, like snake. The results of the perceived effect of climate change on periwinkle output showed
that the salt content of the sea has no effect on the quantity of periwinkle harvested. Furthermore, the result showed that an increase in rainfall
leads to decrease in the catch rate of periwinkle. For sea rise, the result of the yes category compared to the base category, showed that from the
harvesting experience of the respondents, the quantity of periwinkle harvested increases as the sea rises. While the “No” category, compared to the
base category showed that rise in sea level has no effect on the quantity of periwinkle harvested. The study recommends, amongst others; that
policy makers and NGOS should create an awareness on the nature of the effect of climate change on periwinkle harvesting.
Key Words: Periwinkle, Harvesters, Efficiency, Climate Change,jaerem Nyong 2025
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