Climate change information source and indigenous adaptation strategies of cucumber farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the climate change information source and the indigenous adaptation strategies of cucumber farmers in Enugu State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting 80 respondents. Data were elicited using structured interview schedule and presented in percentage and mean scores. Findings showed that the majority (92.5%) of cucumber farmers never had contact with extension workers. Information on climate change was mainly from neighbours/friends and personal experience. The indigenous strategies employed for climate change adaptation were organic manure (x=2.91), crop diversification (=2.75), early harvesting (x=2.74) planting early maturing varieties (x=2.59), prompt weeding (x=2.79) among others. The major challenges encountered by the respondents included poor market facility (x=2.36), non-availability of credit facility (x=2.74), non-availability of storage facilities (x=2.75), high cost of labour (x=2.48), poor access to information sources (x=2.30), limited income (x=2.58). It was recommended that high level awareness via media campaign be employed by government extension agency to educate cucumber farmers on climate change issues. Also, a sustainable national climate change policy should be championed by the Ministry of Agriculture to build farmers capability to adapt to climate change. Also, government should intervene in the issues of credit, input/facilities and map out a framework to guarantee access to land by farmers for enhanced resilience and expand of production.