Abstract
ABSTRACT Production is the basis of value-chain which is a key factor in Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) in Nigeria. Thus, for successful production of horticultural crops the importance of climate cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, in this era of climate change there is the need to study farmers' knowledge of climate change and their production level. The study was carried out in Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to arrive at a study population of 441 tomato and citrus farmers. Data were collected using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), structured interview schedule and secondary data (FAOSTAT). It was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentage and pie charts) and inferential statistics (Pearson Product Moment Correlation). There existed no significant relationship between knowledge level of respondents and change in production of both crops. The reason for this could be that no matter what the level of knowledge one may have on the subject of climate change it does not have anything to do with production, adaptation strategies is the key. Citrus and tomato farmers' adaptation strategies to climate change includes among others crop management, use of varieties resistant to pests and diseases, altering the timing or location of cropping activities, different planting dates and shortened length of growing period. In conclusion climate change has affected the production of horticultural crops therefore for ATA to have a good footing there is the need to focus on the adaptation strategies that can combat the effect of climatic changes. Key words: Horticultural crops, Horticultural farmers, Climate, Production, Knowledge,
Highlights
The major aim of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of Nigeria government is to improve production, processing and marketing of agricultural crops
Relative to other African countries, Nigeria maintains a high rate of food production with a food output index of 157.4 based on 1989-91 records (Food and Agriculture Organisation, 2001)
Of the 54 countries in Africa, only 24 representing less than 50 percent maintained or slightly improved food production, with Nigeria being the 9th on the list
Summary
The major aim of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of Nigeria government is to improve production, processing and marketing of agricultural crops. Agriculture contributed 41.5% to the GDP in Nigeria; N16.3 billion was realized from export and 99.64 metric tonnes of different staples were produced (Central Bank of Nigeria, 2000). In 2010, it contributed 42% which is just an increase of 0.5% between the periods of ten years (CBN, 2010). Relative to other African countries, Nigeria maintains a high rate of food production with a food output index of 157.4 based on 1989-91 records (Food and Agriculture Organisation, 2001). Its index of food output per capita of 199.0 in year 2000, even though fairly marginal, was one of the highest for Africa. Of the 54 countries in Africa, only 24 representing less than 50 percent maintained or slightly improved food production, with Nigeria being the 9th on the list
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