Strengthening the Linkages among Climate Change Actors in Agricultural Innovation System in Southeast, Nigeria

Abstract

Strong linkages among actors will help them learn and share lessons for scaling up successful strategies for capacity strengthening within agricultural innovations systems to adapt to climate change and variable climate conditions. The study investigated factors that could help strengthen linkages among climate change actors in agricultural innovation system in Southeast, Nigeria.  A sample of one hundred and seventy six (176) respondents participated in the study. Validated interview schedule and structured questionnaire were used for data collection. Mean scores were employed for data analysis. Statistical results show poor funding (M=2.8) and poor motivation of the actors (M=2.5) among others as factors that constrained the actors from linking with one another.  Provision of adequate funding (M=3.12), adequate motivation of actors (M=2.58), regular workshop for actors (M=2.66), provision of adequate finance/credit (M=2.0), regular conferences for actors (M=2.42), favourable government policy (M=2.0), regular training for actors to upgrade skills (M=2.7), quarterly seminar for actors (M=2.42), establishment of coordinating unit/liaison committee (M=3.12) and sharing research information among actors (M=3.12) were revealed as factors that could help strengthen the linkages of the actors. The study recommends that efforts should be geared towards strengthening linkages among the actors as this will give the actors opportunity to learn from one another on how best to tackle problems posed by climate change.

Keywords: Linkage, agricultural innovation system, actors, strengthening, climate change