Effects of Climate Change among Smallholder Farmers in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research studied the effects of climate change in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State. A quantitative method was used to gather data in this study. A questionnaire was administered to the smallholder farmers (household heads) in the study area. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and results show that 77.5% of the farmers agree that the temperature in the study area is increasing, 83% agree that there is an increase in drought, 76% agree that flood is increasing during the rainy season, 66% agree that there is an increase in crop infestation and diseases, 68% agree that there is excessive de-vegetation, 82.5% are of the opinion that forest resources are declining, 66.5% said that the cost of food crops is increasing, 75% agree that there is change in the livelihood of people, whilst 77.5% agree that there is rural-urban migration. The research therefore recommends that farmers in the study area be enlightened about the prospects of adaptation strategies by agricultural institutions. Finally the study suggests that effective policy measures should be taken to promote the adoption of climate change adaptation strategies.