Adapting to climate changes: The challenge for rural farmers in the forest and southern Guinea savanna ecologies of Nigeria

Abstract

Agriculture provides food for the ever growing population, supplies raw material for industrial sector and generates foreign exchange for economies. However, the onset and threat of climate change imposes stresses on rural farming activities given that agricultural activities are largely rain-fed in Nigeria. The research design adopted was the survey method with a population sample of 600 questionnaires and interview guide administered to 10 rural farming communities in Oyo and Osun States located within the forest and southern guinea savanna ecologies of Nigeria. Lack of capital (61.1% in Oyo and 57.2% in Osun) among
other constraints such as lack of information, shortage of labour, lack of access to water, and poor health were identified as constraints to climate change adaptation by farmers. More than 80% (88.7% and 82.6%) of farmers acknowledged the climate had changed over the past 5-10 years mainly in terms of decrease in rain and change in its timing. The main implications for
climate change are deterioration in quality of life, increased migration, and threats to social cohesion among others. The paper concludes that, the burden of climate change cannot be borne alone by rural farmers and recommends a rural development policy in providing support to rural farmers facing climate risks.