Traditional Perceptions of Climate Change Phenomenon Influencing Adaptation Decisions among Women Crop Farmers in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed traditional perceptions of climate change phenomenon influencing adaptation decisions among women crop farmers in southern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 420 rural women crop farmers for the study. Structured interview schedule through the use of Open Data Kit, focus group discussion and in-depth interview were used to collect data. Data were analysed using mean, percentages and Binary Logit regression. Approximately 89% had taken the decision to adapt to climate change with 81% supporting their decision with action by utilizing available climate change adaptation strategies. The belief that climate change is too complex to understand ( x̄= 2.83), caused solely by man’s carelessness over his environment ( x̄= 2.97), rainfall and temperature variation ( x̄= 3.07), violation of traditional farming rituals (x̄ = 2.72) and God’s anger on mankind (x̄ = 2. 65) were the major traditional perceptions of climate change influencing adaptation decisions among rural women crop farmers. The traditional perceptions of climate change among other factors were found to influence rural women crop farmers’ decision to adapt to climate change. Knowledge building through training workshops on climate change is key to stimulating right adaptation decisions and action among rural women crop farmers.