Analysis of climate change adaptation measures used by rural dwellers in the southeast and Southsouth zone of Nigeria

Abstract

The renewed quest for specific climate change adaptation measures that will address the needs of rural dwellers in their specified location prompted this study. This study analysed climate change adaptation measures used by rural dwellers in southeast and Southsouth Nigeria. Structured questionnaire, interview schedule, focused group discussion and direct observation were used to collect data from 320 respondents selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive, multivariate and inferential statistics namely mean, percentages, frequency count, Varimax rotated factor analysis, analysis of variance and Turkey HSD post hoc multiple comparison test. The major occupation of the rural dwellers in the study area was farming (70.9 %) and 95 % have a farm size of less than 1 ha of land. The majority (83.7 %) had at least 10 years farming experience and earned an average monthly income of less than fifty thousand naira (77.2 %). The majority (60.3 %) maintained a household size of between 6 and 10 persons. Cassava and yam were the major crops cultivated while poultry, goat and fish were the major animals reared. The results further showed that 97 % of the respondents were already aware of the change in climate mainly through personal experience (78 %). Variation in rainfall patterns (46.9 %) was found to be the most prominent climate change variable in the study area. The Varimax rotated factor analysis identified eight major climate change adaptation measures used by farmers in the study area namely improved livestock management practices and mixed farming, soil fertility improvement measures and use of information from Agricultural Extension agent, use of improved crop species and diversification, change in planting/harvesting dates, application of agricultural chemicals, irrigation facilities and insurance, increase farm size and reliance on family labour, use of cover crops and avoidance of sale of remaining seedling after planting. The result of the ANOVA revealed that significant differences were found to exist in the adaptation measures use amongst the rural dwellers in the study area. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that there is a need for expansion in the role of agricultural extension agents in the nation. In addition, more studies addressing the differences in climate change adaptation measures are encouraged as this will equip the extension agencies and other stakeholders in climate change issues to develop relevant location-specific climate change adaptation measures that will effectively address the needs of farmers.