Climate change and its mitigation on the rural cattle farmers: lessons from Saki Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Climate Change as a natural phenomenon is found out to be accelerated by human activities. This study examines the interrelations of climate change, land and cattle farming in Saki area of Oyo state. Data were collected from 300 Livestock (Cattle) Farmers within 2012/2013 farming season, through the use of structured interview schedule using simple random sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) while, inferential statistics (Binary Logistic Regression Model (BLRM) is used to determine the impact of climate change and adaptation. The result of this analyses revealed that; primary farm operations and access to extension services increased the likelihood of farmer’s adaptation to climate change. Cattle production and ownership were negatively affected by climate change. It was concluded that in the study area, the Cattle Farmers were already aware of climate change in terms of changes in temperature and rainfall pattern. The result of BLRM revealed having access to extension services and information increased the likelihood of cattle farmers to adaptive measure to climate change. It is therefore recommended that government should consider the cattle farmer’s perception on climate change when deciding on programmes for cattle production. It is also suggested that programme that encompass significant factor such as climate change adaptation programme should be planned by Government.