The Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture in Developing Co ...

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Abstract

Farmer livelihoods and agricultural growth in many Sub-Saharan African countries are at risk due to climate change as it impacts on agricultural production and income. Furthermore, smallholder farmers are affected disproportionately as their sustenance is totally dependent on agriculture. This study explores smallholder farmers’ understanding and perception of climate change as well as the coping strategies they are adopting. Information was gathered through structured questionnaires and household surveys in Ibarapa/Ibadan and Ogbomoso Agricultural Zones of Oyo State Nigeria. Results revealed that smallholder farmers perceive climate change as increased temperature, delayed onset of rain, and increased drought. The effects of climate change include longer periods of heat stress on crops, reduced crop yield, increased health hazards, discomfort at work, increased outbreaks of disease, and reduced soil fertility. Farmer responses linked to their perception of climate change include mixed cropping, bush fallowing, cover cropping, crop rotation, use of fertilizers, mulching, and the use of improved crop varieties. Additional responses in the study area included having other sources of income generation such as trading, transportation businesses, and crafts. Respondents are making efforts to adapt to climate change in various ways; however, it is recommended that more insight and awareness campaigns are carried out on effects of climate change, and coping strategies should be encouraged to enhance adaptive capacity and productivity, thus improving the livelihoods of smallholders.