DETERMINANTS OF ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE AMONG ARABLE CROP FARMERS IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR EXTENSION SERVICE

Abstract

This study identified the major adaptation measures to climate change among arable crop farmers in Edo State, Nigeria, the factors that influenced their adaptation to climate change, and the barriers to climate change adaptation. One hundred and twenty respondents were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected with the use of structured interview schedule. And the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression model. The adaptation measures taught to and used by farmers included irrigation, vermincomposting, increased use of animal manure, changing of planting dates, mulching, tree planting, use of different crop varieties and zero tillage. However, adoption of the adaptation measure to climate change was generally low (adoption index = 0.168). The major barriers to adaptation include lack of information (77%) on adaptation measures and financial challenges (42%).Results of the linear regression model indicate that the level of education of the household head (t-stat = 3.65081), household size (t-stat = 3.23023),extension visit (t-stat = 6.87084), visit to other farmers (t-stat = 3.6084001) and attendance to meetings (t-stat = 5.37596) significantly and positively impacted on adaptation to climate change. These imply that increase in these variables would lead to increase in the application of adaptation measures to climate change. Extension service needs to organize the farmers and other stakeholders into an information network. It was recommended that farmers should be given access to credit, effective policy must be put in place to address imperfections in the agricultural knowledge and information system in promoting adaptation to climate.