The Role of Extension in Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change in the Sahelian Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

It is anticipated that climate variability and change in the Sahelian zone of Nigeria  will have an overwhelming impacts on agriculture, land use, ecosystem  and biodiversity. Recent years have seen adaptation come to the international climate debate. The focus is centered largely upon enhancing the capacity of developing countries such as Nigeria to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The paper discussed the role of extension in agricultural adaptation to climate change in the Sahelian zone of Nigeria. It identified the evidence of climate change in the Sahelian zone of Nigeria and described the adaptation strategies to the changing climate.  The paper also explored the role of agricultural extension services in climate change adaptation. The challenges facing agricultural adaptation to climate change were also discussed. The paper recommended that efforts of the government should include; development of special rural micro-credit schemes, improved extension delivery and human capital development

Keywords: Agricultural adaptation, Climate change, Extension, Role, Sahelian Zone, Nigeria