ASSESSMENT OF FARMERS'ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO FLOOD RELATED LOSSES IN ZONE ONE AREA OF EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study assesses farmers' adaptation strategies to flood related losses in zone one area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. The objectives were to; examine the perceived effects of flood on the production of farmers, examine the adaptation strategies to flood related losses by farmers, analyze the determinants of the adaptation strategies to flood related losses in the area and examine constraints associated with adaptation strategies to flood in the study area. 4 stage sampling technique was adopted in the selection of 147 crop farmers. Data obtained were analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics tool(Poisson regression model). The study revealed that respondents strongly perceived flood effects as loss in farm produce, loss in quality of yield and loss of farm infrastructure. The study findings show that common adaptation strategies adopted by the crop farmers include change in planting date, crop rotation, mixed cropping, planting of cover crops and mulching. Furthermore, the Poisson regression result of the determinants of adaptation strategies to flood showed that age, level of education, farming experience, extension visit, credit, compatibility and cost of practice were statistically significant in making decisions. However, constraints perceived by the respondents include: poor access to adaptation strategies information, high cost of improved crop varieties, lack of access to weather forecast technology and government irresponsiveness to risk management. Therefore, it was recommended that Extension agents should provide adequate information on various adaptation strategies to farmers, relevant stakeholders and concerned organization should provide farmers with weather forecast technology, financial institutions should make access to credit facilities to farmers to enable them adopt adaptation strategies.