Climate Change Adaptation Measures among Rural Farmers in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined climate change adaptation strategies among rural
farmers in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Primary
data were generated through the use of questionnaire. A total of one
hundred and fifty (150) farmers were purposively selected in the study
area. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics. The result
showed that the majority of the respondent are male with the active age
of 31-50 and are married. Educational level of the respondents showed
that 46% have at least secondary education. Based on membership in
organization the distribution of the respondent showed that 79% are
both farmers association and religious group. The study revealed majority
of the farmers are aware of climate change through sources of information
like radio and extension workers. The majority of the respondents agreed
climate change has brought about increased in the cost of production in
Igabi Local government area of Kaduna State. The findings from
adaptation strategy show that 64% adopted planting of trees, cover crops
and planting of resistance varieties of crops as a strategies to adapt to
climate change. It was concluded that farmers in the area observed
elements of climate change. The study therefore, recommends that there
should be more emphasis on dissemination of climate change information
through the mass media, extension agents, policy makers and researchers
to try and get farmers to effectively adapt to climate change and manage
the farm resources judiciously.