Analysis of Coping Strategies Adopted against Climate Change by Small Scale Farmers in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the coping strategies adopted against the effects of climate change by small scale cassava and yam farmers in Delta State, Nigeria. It examined the socioeconomic characteristics of yam and cassava farmers and identified the various climate change factors that are prevalent in the study area. It also ascertained the coping methods adopted by the farmers in adjusting to the impact of variations in climate and also estimated the effect of the farmer’s socioeconomic characteristics on the number of coping methods adopted. 180 respondents made up of 90 cassava farmers and 90 yam farmers were randomly sampled for the study. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that the majority of the farmers (82.8%) fell below the age of 50 years, 71.6% are married and mostly females (66.7%). Majority (53.9%) had post primary education, 33.9% had farming experience of 16-20 years, 53.9% had 1-5 household members and 39.4% had farm size between 0.1- 1 hectare. Most of the farmers observed high temperature (81.8%), less rainfall (77.8%) and shorter rainy season (22.2%) as signs of climate change. Four variables including farm size (0.05), farming experience (0.05), education (0.01) and income (0.01) have significant positive effect on the number of strategies adopted. Government policies and programmes should be geared towards addressing imperfections such as access to information and linking farmers with extension services.

Keywords: climate change, coping strategies, rainfall, temperature, small scale farmers