Assessment of climate change adaptation practices of arable crop farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the climate change adaptation practices of farmers cultivating arable crops in Kwara State. One hundred and twenty (120) farmers were drawn for this study using multi stage sampling method. An interview schedule was designed to gather relevant data and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Results reveal that the average years of farming experience was 7 years with majority having no formation education. The topmost effects of climate change were crop loss (mean=4.82), food insecurity (mean=480) and the inability to plan ahead (mean=4.79). The leading mitigation practices employed by farmers were organic farming practices (mean=3.59), crop rotation methods (mean=3.53) and afforestation (mean=3.52). Foremost challenges to effective mitigation were insufficient extension contact (mean=4.85), poor support by the government (mean=4.71) and inadequate required production inputs (mean=4.69). Correlation analysis showed that educational status of the farmers indicated positive significant relationship with mitigation practices employed by farmers. The study concluded that organic farming practices, crop rotation methods and afforestation were the leading mitigation practices employed by farmers in Kwara State. There is need for extension organizations in the study area should recruit more extension agents to enable practical field demonstration of climate change adaptation practices.