Sustainable Climate Change Adaptation in Developing Countries: Role of Perception Among Rural Households

Abstract

Climate change adaptation entails exploiting not only economically but also environmentally beneficial strategies by all stakeholders. However, the successful implementation of adaptation actions is also subject to the perception of climate change, usually influenced by knowledge, experiences, and sociocultural factors including gender relations, among the target group. This chapter analyzes the perception of climate change among rural households in Southwest Nigeria and ascertains the coping and adaptation strategies in use among the households. A total of 239 respondents were interviewed across the vegetative zones available in the study area. Findings revealed that 54.8% were involved in crop farming. About 51.0% and 45.6% practiced change in sowing date and harvest date, respectively. Respondents’ perception had a significant relationship with adaptation measures such as change in harvest date (Χ2 = 56.753, p = 0.026), planting improved varieties (Χ2 = 55.866, p = 0.031), and mixed cropping (Χ2 = 55.433, p = 0.042). Respondents had a favorable perception of climate change. The study concluded that although their perception of climate change was favorable and indicated their understanding of its negative effects on their livelihoods, it did not take cognizance of women’s insecure access to production resources. It recommended the development of easily accessible weather forecasts to aid livelihood decisions and enlightenment on improved women’s access to production resources and biodiversity protection.