ASSESSMENT OF FARMERS ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO RAINFALL VARIABILTY ON INCREASING CROP YIELD IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the adaptation strategies and farmers’ knowledge for increase crop yield of cereal (maize and rice), root and tuber (cassava and yam), and legume (groundnut, soyabeans)in Benue State. Primary data was collected through a multi stage sampling technique. A questionnaire was distributed to 720 farmers from twelve (12) of the twenty- three (23) Local Government Areas in Benue State based on the production of the cereal (maize and rice), root and tuber (cassava and yam), and legume (groundnut, soyabeans). The data was collected with the assistance of extension workers from Benue State Agricultural Development Agency (BNARDA). The data analysis was through simple techniques of random sampling to issue the questionnaire amongst the respondent. Random technique sampling was used to choose the actual sample for the study and this method decreases human interference and bias. The rationale was to choose areas that are inferred to be common with various essential issues and information about socio-economic impact of the study area. The returned questionnaires were 720 and were used to carry out the analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data obtained from questionnaire and survey of farmers. The data was presented using frequency, tables, percentages, charts and figures. The results showed that most farmers are aware of rainfall variability and they also noted that their crop yields are increasing as a result of using choices for adaptation which includes changes of planting dates as well as improvement of crop varieties as adaptation strategies for increasing crop yield. The research concludes that 73 % of farmers have tried and adapted to rainfall variability