Socio-economic factors influencing climate change adaptation among crop farmers in Umuahia South Area of Abia State, Nigeria

Type Journal Article - Net Journal of Agricultural Science
Title Socio-economic factors influencing climate change adaptation among crop farmers in Umuahia South Area of Abia State, Nigeria
Author(s)
Volume 1
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2013
Page numbers 42-47
URL http://netjournals.org/pdf/NJAS/2013/2/13-019.pdf
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the socioeconomic factors influencing climate change adaptation
among crop farmers in Umuahia South Area of Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were
to determine socioeconomic characteristics of crop farmers in the area, determine farmers level of
awareness of climate change in the area, ascertain effects of climate change in crop production, identify
adaptation strategies adopted by the farmers in the area and determine socioeconomic factors influencing
adaptation to climate change. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to 120 farmers. Data
were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as tables, likert type scale and multiple regression
analysis. Results of data collected shows that the strategies adopted to combat the effects of climate
change by farmers in the area include tree planting, cultivation of early maturing crops, mixed farming, use
of improved crop varieties, increased use of family labour, engagement in complementary/diverse
livelihoods, cover cropping, changes in planting and harvesting dates, irrigation practices, crop rotation,
riverside/bank cultivation, increased frequency of weeding etc, Results reveal that farm size, farming
experience, household size, and social organization (MEM COP) were significant at 5%, sex was significant
at 1% . Extension educational campaign should be intensified to increase the knowledge about climate
change. Government should collaborate with meteorologists in forecasting about climate change and also in
bringing about measures to control the adverse effect of climate change especially in agriculture.

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