Farmers’ Perception of Climate Change in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines farmers’ general understanding of climate change in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State, Nigeria. Data were collected by use of structured questionnaire administered to 420 farmers randomly selected from eight communities in the study area. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data obtained from the survey. A 4-point Likert Rating Scale was used to gauge farmers’ response to 29 perception questions posed in the questionnaire. The result showed that the prevalent changes in climate in the study area are increased temperature, change in patterns of rainfall, uncertain patterns of relative humidity, high sunshine intensity and change in harmattan period. The consequence of climate change included poor health conditions of the farmers as well as poor yields from their farms. The main causes of climate change, by the farmers’ perception, include deforestation, overgrazing of farm lands, blockage of water ways, careless discharge of liquid waste and air pollution from automobile exhaust. The major techniques employed by farmers to mitigate the effects of climate change were planting of more resistant local varieties and diversification of their portfolios.

Key words: Farmers, perception, climate, change.