Soil Conservation Techniques for Climate Change Adaptation among Abakaliki Rice Farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rice production in Ebonyi State is greatly influenced by climate changes which need to be managed by framers for enhanced yields. The study sought to determine soil conservation measures to be used by farmers to adapt rice production to climate change in the state. Three research questions were developed to guide the study. The study was a survey design as it elicited information from 198 respondents using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed by the researcher on four point scales and validated by 3 experts. Date collected through the questionnaire were analysed with mean and standard deviation to answer the researcher questions. The findings reveal that rice farmers plant cover crops, apply liming materials and manures to make the soil resilient to weather changes; but do not use organic and biological agriculture to maintain soil structure. Constraints on the use of climate change adaptation measures were found as lack of knowledge, low education level; and shortage of farm inputs. It was also found that to improve upon the use of these measures, farmers need training on soil management strategies, weather changes, and soil nature. It was then recommended that government should review polices on land use, and intensify farmer education on environmental changes and their management strategies. Also, extension agents should gear their efforts towards creating awareness on soil conservation strategies and sources of credits with which to secure climate change management inputs.

Keywords: Soil, Conservation, Techniques Rice Production and Climate Change.