Determinants of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change among Farming Communities along River Benue in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research work examines the determinants of adaptation strategies to climate change among rural communities along River Benue in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are to assess the determinants of adaptation strategies to climate change and examine the impacts of climate change on the farmers’ livelihood activities. A multistage sampling procedure was employed in selecting 463 respondents. Data were collected from primary sources. Secondary information was also used. The data sourced were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as mean, percentages and multinomial logit regression models. It was found that climate change has a serious impact on the agricultural activities of respondents. The result of multinomial regression analysis revealed that different factors were responsible for the selection of adaptation strategies used by farmers. Generally, variables such as being male, age, income level, farming experience, and education levels among others were found to influence the selection of different adaptation strategies used by farmers in the study area. For example, variable issue as gender, marital status, age and farming experience were positive (P and significant in influencing respondents to practice 2 and 3 adaptation categories. The study therefore, recommends among others that government should provide adaptation incentives to farmers to reduce the impact of climate change on agricultural activities in the study area and diversification of livelihood activities to be encouraged among farming communities along river Benue so that farmers can get more income to adapt to the menace of climate change