English

Abstract

Climate variability has detrimental effects on the livelihoods of rural people who depend on agriculture. The situation becomes critical because of the significant contributions of agriculture to the economic and social well being of the rural people. The effects of climate variability could manifest in declining agricultural productivity and competitiveness, greater risks to human health, increased unemployment and poverty, declined food security and conflicts of resource use. The study examined the determinants of farmers’ choices of livelihoods and perceptions of the effects of climate variability on choices of livelihoods in Anambra State, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected using structured questionnaire administered to 160 respondents drawn from four agricultural zones in the State. Data were analyzed using frequency, mean and Multinomial Logit Model (MNL). Results showed that household income, gender, marital status, household size, education level of household head and farm size were the major determinants of farmers’ choices of livelihoods. Gender, education level and household income had a positive significant influence while marital status, farm size, and household size had a negative significant influence on the choices of livelihoods. Farm households perceived increase in precipitation; temperature; and rate of erosion; as well as decrease in agricultural yield as effects of climate variability. It is suggested that extension personnel should be trained and motivated in order to disseminate relevant information to farmers on how to diversify their livelihood in order to cope with climate variability. Key words: Agriculture, farmers, precipitation, temperature, climate variability threat.