Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices (CSA) Adoption by Crop Farmers in Semi-arid Regions of West and East Africa: Evidence from Nigeria and Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was designed to scientifically identify two analogous African sites in semi-arid regions experiencing climate change so as to share their common experiences and then document CSA practices adopted in these regions. It identified analogous sites in Nigeria and Ethiopia for the purpose of studying their climate change adaptation experiences; assessed the socio-economic attributes of crop farmers in the semi-arid regions of these countries under stress and risk of climate change; ascertained the perception of crop farmers on climate change risks in the areas and then described the CSAs adopted in the two analogous sites. Identification of sites were done using GIS tool called CCAFs. Then 120 crop farmers each were randomly selected from the two countries (240 farmers) in a stratified manner. Primary data were collected with the aid of Focus Group Discussion method, a set of structured questionnaire and interview schedule after validating the questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ranking techniques; analysis of variance and t test. It was found that the socioeconomic attributes of farmers in Ethiopia and Nigerian farms varied especially with respect to food assess, types of crops cultivated, household size, education and extension contacts even though major crops in the regions were similar (sorghum, maize, millet and sesame). The two countries had similarities in the adoption of CSAs with the most common CSAs being crop rotation, agro-forestry, adoption of water management techniques, terracing/bunding and contour cropping. In Nigerian farms, while changing of planting dates (76%), diversification of crops (71%) and planting of high resistant varieties (82%) were common CSAs adopted by the farmers, Ethiopian farmers did not adopt these on a high scale. There was no difference in rate of adoption of CSAs in the two countries. It was recommended that farmers should be assisted to build capacities in applying more reliable CSAs such as use of drought tolerant varieties of seeds, improved water management techniques, and to have better access to early warning information on climate; irrigation facilities and finance.