ISSN 2284-7995, ISSN Online 2285-3952
 

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATING MEASURES BY SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 16 ISSUE 1
Written by Onwuchekwa Raphael IHEKE, Winner Chiagoziem AGODIKE

Due to its significant reliance on weather patterns, as well as other environmental factors, agricultural production is particularly vulnerable to changes in climate. Adoption of climate change mitigating strategies are key to coping and building resilience against the vagaries of climate change and hence, increasing agricultural poverty, and lifting rural smallholder farmers out of poverty and food insecurity. This study analyzed the factors influencing the adoption of climate change mitigating measures by smallholder farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used is selecting 60 respondents were used for the study. Primary data, collected using structured questionnaire, were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as frequency counts and percentages, mean, likert scale type analysis and probit regression. Results showed that unusual early rains followed by weeks of dryness, high temperature, incidence of diseases, heavy rainfall, decrease in soil fertility, increase in pest problems, erratic rainfall pattern, loss of forest resources, reduced harmattan, flooding, soil erosion, heavy winds, thunderstorms, heavy and long period of rainfall, weed infestation, overflowing of rivers and streams, and extinction of some crop species were some of the major effects or manifestations of climate change and they have severe effect on crop production. Also, climate change mitigation measures mostly adopted by the farmers were drainage/flood barrier construction, multiple cropping, mulching, use of improved varieties of crops, change of planting date, irrigation of crops, planting of cover crops, and tree planting. The probit regression showed that the significant variables influencing adoption of climate change mitigation measures were age of the farmer, farming experience, tenancy status, years of education, extension contact, income, access to credit and membership of farmers’ association. Education and training of farmers especially as it pertains adoption of good agricultural practices was recommended, as well as the provision of credit to enable them adopt mitigation measures to climate change.

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© 2019 To be cited: Scientific Papers. Series “Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development“.

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