Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategies of Cassava Farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

The study evaluated the climate change impacts and adaptation strategies of cassava farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 419 cassava farmers administered with questionnaire. Data were collected using primary and secondary means and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, beta regression model, and ordinary least squares multiple regression technique. Results showed that cassava farmers were educated (12.0), experienced (18.0), and more of males (85.0%). Factors influencing cassava production were identified as meteorological information (95.7%), tradition and culture (94.5%), research innovation (93.1%) and financial institutions (71.8%). Climate change effects on cassava production were reduced biodiversity (95.2%), increased crop failure (97.6%), decreased yield (100%) and increased soil salinity (92.6%). Cassava farmers adapted to various practices such as planting improved cassava varieties (95.9%), insurance (3.3%), planting different crops (96.9%), and livelihood diversification (94.9%). Age, education, household size, farm size and extension contacts were significant determinants of climate change adaptation strategies of cassava farmers. Climate variable such as temperature, rainfall, humidity and sunshine had dual impacts on cassava production. The study recommends cassava farmers to seek for early warning signals and information on climate change before embarking on their farming operations to avert possible negative consequences.