Threats to and opportunities for livelihood innovations in the face of climate change: a case study of the Savanna regions of Nigeria

Abstract

Attention is not given to the various approaches and unfolding innovations adopted by local farmers to fight extreme climate phenomena. This study examined main agricultural practices and the main employer of labour in northern Nigeria to draw attention to how local farmers i) view changing weather patterns, ii) confront these changing weather patterns in order to emphasize the recognition of opportunities and other potentials in rural and urban livelihoods of the Savanna region in Nigeria. Physical and socio-economic surveys coupled with Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were used to access information from farmers on farming practices between 2000 and 2010. Results shows that although weather patterns like rainfall have altered and affect soil conditions in the majority of villages, farmers have been able to develop appropriate innovations, which increase cereals output. In addition, farmers have introduced vegetable crops in areas earlier thought irredeemably lost to devastating flooding and erosion. The main recommendation here is a further acceptance of local approaches devised by the people as opportunities abound for food and cash crop production in the Savanna regions of Nigeria and beyond today than ever before.