Adaptation Strategies and Utilization to Climate Change and Variability by Farming Households in Agricultural Zone 1

Abstract

The research entitled ‘’ adaptation strategies to climate change and variability by farming households in agricultural zone 1, Niger State, Nigeria” The objectives of the study includes, describe the socio-economic characteristics of farming households, examine the level of knowledge of farming households on climate change and variability, ascertain adaptation strategies to climate change and variability adopted by farming households and their perception of its effectiveness and examine the constraints associated with farming households on the adoption of climate change and variability adaptation strategies in the study area. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select a total of 188 respondents for the study. The data were collected through primary source using questionnaire and interview schedule and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Likert type rating. The result revealed that majority 88.3% were male with mean age of 35 years only 35.6% of the respondents were married. Mean house hold of 5 persons. Majority 76.6% had one form of education or the other. Majority 90.4% engaged in farming with farming experience of 18 years and farm size of 1-5ha. The findings revealed Incident of heavy rainfall that causes damages to crop and livestock production having mean score of (X ̅= 2.71) and decrease in average temperature amount over the years having the lowest mean score of (X ̅=1.60). The finding revealed the hierarchy in adoption of adaptation strategies to climate change and variability with planting early maturing varieties and planting of high yielding varieties were 100% adopted. These variables were closely followed by use of agro-chemicals and use of manure (organic or inorganic) with 98.9%.The result revealed that planting of early maturing varieties of crop with mean score of (X ̅=4.49), and high yielding varieties with mean score of (X ̅=4.25), were more effective among the adaptation strategies adopted by the respondent. In conclusion, adaptation strategies to climate change and variability that were found to be effective was identified and when adapted would reduce effect and impact of climate change and variability on farming household. It was recommended weather information that is more reliable should be adequately relate to farmers using right channel, High yielding and early maturing varieties should be made available to farmers at subsidized rate and timely by the releasing institutions and organization,