Impact of Climate Information Services on Crop Yield in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper assessed crop farmers’ access and utilization of climate information services (CIS) and impact of CIS use on crop yields in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 405 farmers from the State, and data were collected through a survey of the farmers using a questionnaire. We employed descriptive statistics, endogenous treatment effect, and Heckman probit selection model to analyze the data collected. The result indicates that a majority (89%) of the farmers accessed climate information and that the common sources of climate information include agricultural extension officers, fellow farmers, and radio. This study shows that 88% of the farmers used climate information services in making farming decisions. Farmers’ age, household size, marital status, farming experience, income extension contact, ownership of television, ownership of radio, ownership of mobile phone, proximity to the market, workshop/training participation, climate events experienced, and knowledge of appropriate application of fertilizer significantly influenced both access and utilization of CIS. The use of CIS in planning for farming activities significantly increased rice, maize, and cassava yields. The study demonstrates the important contribution of climate information services in crop production. We therefore recommend that access and use of climate information services in agricultural communities should be increased.