Farmers Adaptation Strategies to the Effect of Climate Variation on Rice Production: Insight from Benue State, Nigeria

Idoma Kim,Mamman Moses,Ikpe Elisha,Ejeh Lawrence

doi:10.13189/eer.2017.050406

Abstract

The study investigated farmers' adaptation strategies to the effect of climate variation on rice production in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. Specifically, the study assessed the socio-economic characteristics of farmers, farmers' climate related constraints, the adaptation strategies employed by farmers and barriers to adaption practices. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select two hundred and forty respondents for the study. Data collected through questionnaire were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean distribution and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Results obtained showed that farmers in the study area were mostly males with a mean age of 42.8 years. Major climate related constraint cited were high rate of weed growth ( =2.8), stunted growth ( =3.2), incidence of flooding ( =2.6) and low rainfall ( =3.4). Pearson product moment correlation indicated that there were significant and positive relationships between perceptions of climate change indicators (increasing flood, increasing hot temperature, unpredictable rain and shorter duration of rain) and adaptation strategies. Therefore, efforts should be geared towards reinforcing farmers' adaptability to climate change through improved rice species that are tolerant to change in climate elements and weather extremes like flood and drought, enhancement of farmers' income through provision of credit facilities and encouragement of irrigation farming as supplements to rain fed agriculture in the study area.

Highlights

Sufficient food production is among the principal challenges facing many developing countries
This scenario indicates that most youths are involved in rice farming in the study area, a situation which is favorable to the sustenance of rice production since youths have longer life span
This study identified the various climate adaptation strategies used by rice farmers in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Summary

Introduction

Sufficient food production is among the principal challenges facing many developing countries. Increasing temperatures (a sudden hot spell or cold snap) and variations in rainfall patterns (a lengthy period of insufficient or excessive rainfall) impact negatively on agricultural yields of both rain-fed and irrigated crops [2]. These effects are manifested through crop yields, water availability, pests and disease, animal health and other biophysical factors. For centuries rural farmers have evolved various survival strategies to combat the adverse effects of climate variability on crop production. Some of these schemes are multiple cropping systems, cropping drought resistant or drought tolerant crops and diversification of livelihood activities [4]

Methods

Results

Conclusion