Perception of farmers on variation of climate change and its effects on crop production in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Learning from the perception of farmers, by investigating first what the local people know about climate change and its effects on production can improve understanding of local conditions and provide context for activities designed to help the communities. It is against this back drop, the study was conducted to assess perception of farmers on variation of climate change and its effects on crop production in Niger state, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty five (125) crop farmers were interviewed to elicit relevant information in line with the objectives of the study. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tools were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that majority (74%) of the respondents are aware of climate change and majority (74.4%, 70.4%, 66.4%, 61.1% and 60.8%) of the respondents indicated that effect of climate change has negatively resulted to late rainfall, affected soil nutrient, increase incidences of drought, decreased crop yield and less rainfall. The result from the study also revealed that all (100%) of the respondents have adapted mixed cropping system of farming as coping strategy to increase yield, reduce risk of crop failure and increase food availability at home, the study further revealed that majority of farmers have positive perception towards effects of climate change on crop production. Inferential statistics analysis shows that there is a significant relationship between respondents’ socio-economic characteristics and perception of farmers on effects of climate change on crop production; it is recommended that effective capacity building should be put in place to strengthen the most vulnerable group in agricultural production with the required knowledge and information necessary for climate change mitigation and adaptation; and farmers should also have regular information on current issues related to climate change and agriculture.