Perceived Climate Variability and Adaptation Responses among Smallholder Crop Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria
K. H. Anyiam
*
Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
O. C. Enoch
Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
I. G. Isaiah
Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
O. I. Adjaero
Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
A. C. Obasi
Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
U. M. Olumba
Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
C. N. Obichere
Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
O. E. Mbakaogu
Department of Agricultural Business, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
J. U. Enoch
Department of Agricultural and Vocational Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
U. M. Nwosu
Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
F. N. Okoro
Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
U. O. Ejimofor
Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
O. J. Nnosiri
Department of Agricultural Business, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Climate variability presents important challenges to smallholder crop production, particularly in areas where farming systems depend largely on seasonal rainfall. This study examined farmers’ perceived patterns of climate variability and the adaptation responses adopted by smallholder crop farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 food-crop farmers from the state’s three agricultural zones. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires supplemented with oral interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, ranking and a Climate Variability Perception Index. Results showed that farmers perceived clear evidence of climate variability, with an overall mean perception score of 3.71. The major perceived indicators were erratic rainfall (mean score: 4.58), increased temperature (4.40), rising incidence of pests and diseases (4.39), unpredictable weather conditions (4.23), occasional flooding (4.08) and shortened rainy seasons (3.71). Farmers disagreed with increased drought occurrence and prolonged drought periods, which recorded mean scores of 1.33 and 2.95, respectively. The main adaptation responses adopted were early planting (37.1%), zero tillage (14.4%), mixed cropping (12.0%), use of hybrid varieties (12.0%), erosion control measures (9.6%) and flood control using channels and gutters (7.2%). The findings indicate that smallholder crop farmers in Imo State recognise changes in climatic conditions and respond mainly through low-cost agronomic practices. The study recommends improved climate information services, stronger extension support and better access to affordable climate-smart agricultural technologies to enhance farmers’ adaptive capacity.
Keywords: Climate variability, smallholder farmers, adaptation responses, climate resilience, rain-fed agriculture, erratic rainfall, climate-smart agriculture, food crop production.