Farmers Adaptation Strategies to the Effect of Climate Variation on Rice Production: Insight from Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated farmers' adaptation strategies to the effect of climate variation on rice production in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. Specifically, the study assessed the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, farmers' climate related constraints, the adaptation strategies employed by farmers and barriers to adaption practices. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select two hundred and forty respondents for the study. Data collected through questionnaire were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean distribution and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Results obtained showed that farmers in the study area were mostly males with a mean age of 42.8 years. Major climate related constraint cited were high rate of weed growth (í µí¼’̅ =2.8), stunted growth (í µí¼’̅ =3.2), incidence of flooding (í µí¼’̅ =2.6) and low rainfall (í µí¼’̅ =3.4). Pearson product moment correlation indicated that there were significant and positive relationships between perceptions of climate change indicators (increasing flood, increasing hot temperature, unpredictable rain and shorter duration of rain) and adaptation strategies. Therefore, efforts should be geared towards reinforcing farmers' adaptability to climate change through improved rice species that are tolerant to change in climate elements and weather extremes like flood and drought, enhancement of farmers' income through provision of credit facilities and encouragement of irrigation farming as supplements to rain fed agriculture in the study area.