ADAPTATION OF URBAN AGRICULTURE TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN NIGERIAN CITIES: A CASE STUDY OF MINNA, NIGER STATE

Abstract

Adaptation in urban agriculture to climate change is important for impact and vulnerability assessment for the development of climate change phenomenon in urban areas. A wide variety of adaptation options has been purposed as having the potential to reduce the vulnerability of agricultural system in urban areas related to climate change. This paper, develops a typology of adaptation to climate change by urban agricultural practices. It differentiates adaptation options in urban agriculture, the intent, timing and duration of employment of the adaptation; the form and type of adaptive measure; and coping strategies to reduce risks associated with climate stresses. Quantitative approach was used in data collection and stratified random sampling was used to select respondents by dividing the city into different strata. A random sample of urban farmers was employed. The results of the research on adaptation options in urban agriculture, identified four main categories: technological development, government programs and insurance, farm production practice and financial management. In addition to these direct adaptations, there are other such as information provision that may stimulate adaptation initiatives. The result revealed that most adaptation options are modifications to existing urban farming practices with respect to a changing climatic conditions (including variability and extremes) and non-climatic condition (political economic and social). To implement adaptations to climate change in urban areas, it is recommended that there is need to understand the relationship between adaptation options and existing practices, and between decision-making processes and risk management framework.