The scenarios of livelihood for several decades in the coastal ecosystem of Ilaje in which fishing and aquaculture are the two main livelihoods have not been a sustainable one following environmental shocks, seasonality trends and chaotic economic situations. The aim of this study was evaluate the socio-economic and human resource indices of ecological alternatives for livelihood opportunities in Ilaje Coastal ecosystem. Results across communities has revealed a male gender dominated household headship, with the highest percentage (32%) age bracket of 36 to above 46 years.. The marital status had 88% marriage (Molutehin), 28% singlehood (Ikorigho) with pocket cases of divorce, widow and widowership. Educational level has 60% secondary school (Ikorigho and Molutehin), 64% tertiary education (Odonla), 8% non-formal education (Ikorigho and Awoye), and 40% illiteracy (Odun-Igo). Socio-economic had 56% fishing and 44% trading as their major primary source of alternative of livelihood income. The weekly income revealed persistent struggling among rural dwellers in effort to meet the basic needs of life. Cost of living ranged from being expensive, very expensive to being affordable. In conclusion, it becomes significant that other than fishing and aquaculture alternative livelihoods can sustainably raise the living standard of the rural dwellers among the coastal communities of Ilaje.
