Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategies of Cassava Farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study evaluated the climate change impacts and adaptation strategies of cassava farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 419 cassava farmers who administered the questionnaire. Data were collected using primary and secondary means and were analysed using mean, frequency, percentage, beta regression model, and ordinary least squares multiple regression techniques. Factors influencing cassava production are meteorological information (95.7%), tradition and culture (94.5%), improved technology utilization (93.1%) and low access to credits (71.8%). Climate change effects on cassava production were reduced biodiversity (95.2%), increased crop failure (97.6%), decreased yield (100%) and increased soil salinity (92.6%). Cassava farmers adapted to various practices such as planting improved cassava varieties (95.9%), insurance (3.3%), planting different crops (96.9%), and livelihood diversification (94.9%). Age, education, household size, farm size and extension contacts were significant determinants of climate change adaptation strategies of cassava farmers. Variables such as temperature, rainfall, humidity and sunshine had both positive and negative impacts on cassava production. The study recommends cassava farmers seek early warning signals and information on climate change before embarking on their farming operations to avert possible negative consequences.