SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF ARABLE CROP FARMERS’ ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the socio-economic determinants of arable crop farmers’ adaptation to climate change in Edo State, Nigeria. Primary data for the study were collected using structured questionnaire administered to 192 respondents randomly sampled from the study area. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, multiple regression and information from Likerttype scale. Results of the study showed that the climate change adaptation practices highly employed by the farmers include mixed cropping, inter-cropping, adjusting the timing of land preparations in accordance with weather variations, adjusting the planting dates, crop rotation, application of inorganic fertilizer, processing of farm produce to reduce post-harvest losses, changing the quantity of fertilizer used and changing the quantity of herbicides/pesticides used. Extension contact and farm size of the farmers were found to be the significant (P<0.01) determinants of the farmers’ adaptation to climate change. Serious constraints faced by the farmers in adapting to climate change include inadequate finance, inadequate information on climate change, lack of support from government and other institutions, and inadequate infrastructural facilities. The farmers would employ more practices to adapt to climate change if they are empowered through education, training and provision of timely and accessible credit.