Farmers’ Perceptions of using Biochar Integrated with Inorganic Fertilizer for Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change on Cashew Plantations in Kogi State, Nigeria

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Abstract Cashew cultivation, which used to withstand the vagaries of weather, has become increasingly vulnerable to climate change, with losses of several seedlings within the first two years of field establishment. The study investigated the farmers’ perceptions of the integrated use of biochar as a strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of climatic change on young cashew plants in Kogi State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed farmers’ awareness and willingness to adopt biochar technology for cashew plants and examined the effects of climate variability on cashew plants in Kogi State. Three Local Government Areas – Dekina, Olamaboro and Ofu – known for their prominence in cashew production were purposively selected. Farmers were selected from the list provided by the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN). Data were collected from 136 farmers through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and interview schedule. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analyses. It was observed that the majority of the farmers (80.9%) had not been previously aware of biochar. However, a significant proportion of the farmers (96.3%) were willing to utilize the technology. This willingness was a result of the knowledge the farmers acquired during the FGD and their perceptions that biochar improves soil fertility for young cashew, conserves soil moisture during the dry season and provides an alternative strategy for managing organic soil waste. These factors were ranked first, second and third, respectively. It was also assessed that extension services (χ2 =11.973, p<0.05) and membership in Cashew Farmers’ Association (χ2=19.098, p<0.05) influence the farmers’ perceptions of the integrated use of biochar to mitigate the effects of climate change. Therefore, the study recommends effective strategies for introducing biochar technology and other agronomic practices to cashew farmers by CRIN via group dynamics and advisory services.