Trends, Perceptions and Adaptation Options of Livestock Farmers to Climate Change in Imo State, Nigeria: A Multinomial Logit Model Approach

Abstract

The study evaluated trends, perceptions and adaptation options of livestock farmers to climate change in Imo State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used in selection of respondents. Sample size comprised sixty households livestock farmers. Well structured questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. Descriptive statistics, Smart-Art, trend analysis and multinomial logit model were used for data analysis. In order to forecast the future trends of climate change in the area and beyond, climatic record of 40 years (1972 and 2012) duration were obtained from Agro-meteorological Station, National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. Mean age was 43.10years. Majority (78.33%) were males. Greater proportions (71.67%) were married with an average household size of six persons. Average farm income was N64,370.00 ($429.130). The study confirmed the evidence of climate change in the area. Farmers rightly perceived the direction of change as well. Thus, farmers have started responding to the change through the adoption of several local practices to thwart the negative impacts of the change. Unfortunately, farmers local adaptation options are inadequate to prevent them from devastation. However, if the trend continues, livestock production in the area may be adverse with time. Estimated multinomial logit model showed that socio-economic characteristics of the farmers have a significant influence on their adaptation options to climate change. Farmers complained of inadequate information. It was therefore recommended that effective agricultural policies and programmes should focus on intensifying awareness on climate change. . Government at all levels and private’s sector support fund is necessary to enhance farmers easy adaptation to climate change. Ultimately, in cooperating local knowledge into climate change, concerns should not be done at the expense of modern scientific knowledge. Local knowledge should complement rather than compete with global modern practices in counteracting the negative impact of climate change in the area and beyond.

Keywords: Livestock farmers, Trends, Perceptions, Adaptation Options, Multinomial Logit Model, Barriers, Imo State