Vulnerability of Subsistence Farmers to Climate Change in Niger State, North Central Nigeria.

Abstract

Agricultural production in Sub-Saharan Africa has been predicted to be highly vulnerable to climate change and variability. The vulnerability of the subsistence farmers is against the backdrop of several multiple stresses ranging from their location in the marginal tropical areas to the numerous socioeconomic, demographic, and policy tendencies which often limit their capacity to adapt to change. This study examined the perceived climate and environmental changes by subsistence farmers in Niger State and the impact of the changes on their agricultural productivity and livelihood. Focused Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted in 18 selected farming communities, across the three agricultural zones in the state. The result indicates that all surveyed communities are unanimous in the perception that over time, they have persistently witnessed decrease in rainfall amount, stronger winds, late onset and early cessation of rains. 83.3% of the population agree to progressive temperature increase. It also shows that eight perceived impacts namely: decreased crop yield, decreased soil fertility, increased plants and animal diseases, widespread presence of Striga hamontica, reduction in vegetation, reduction in pasture lands, reduced domestic water supply, and prevalence in human diseases are peculiar to all 18 communities. 83.3%, 94.4% and 83.3% witnessed faster weed growth, increased presence of insects and nematodes, and emergence of new evasive weed species respectively. It is therefore recommended adoption of viable, sustainable proactive measures such as provision of logistic support, training, sensitization and education, to boost farmers' capacities to adapt or cope with the changing climate.