Farmers Perception of Climate Change in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State

Abstract

The study examines farmers’ perception on climate change in Michika local government area of Adamawa State. The primary data were obtained through the use of structured questionnaire survey of 369 farmers from the 8 district of the study area and 21 years of rainfall and temperature data were obtained from Adamawa State Agricultural Development Programme Michika. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics in terms of tables, percentage, and trend analysis. The rainfall and temperature trend in the study area showed an increasing trend, while the onset trend of rainfall showed a down ward trend indicating that onset date is earlier and cessation of rainfall is also earlier than before. The farmers have revealed evidences that support their awareness of climate change such as, dryness of rivers and ponds 22%, unusual early rainfall 19%, long period of rainfall in August and September and erratic rainfall pattern 14%. The farmers are aware of the impact of climate change on their livelihoods, and they are employee various adaptation strategies in other to cushion the effect.