Effects of climate change and coping strategies among crop farmers in South West, Nigeria

Climate change is one of the most critical challenges facing the global community as its accompanying effects on rural livelihoods, and food security cannot be overemphasized. The study therefore examined the effects of climate change and adaptation strategies among crop farmers in South West, Nigeria. Random sampling technique was used to select 60 respondents in the study area. Data were collected through well-structured interview schedules, key informant interview and focus group discussion. The results of the study indicated that 63.3% of the respondents were males and 36.7% of them were females. About 46.7% were between the age brackets of 31–40 years with a mean age of 36 years, 70% of the respondents were literate having more than 6 years of formal education. The majority (90%) of the respondents were married with a mean household size of seven persons. It was revealed that farming constituted the major primary livelihood activity among respondents with about 70% practicing it as their primary occupation. The majority (93%) of the respondents attested that they were aware of climate change while only 7% were not aware. Findings showed that respondents were very much affected by drought and longer period of dry season, humidity and excessive dryness, high wind intensity. The study showed that the respondents were aware that land/bush clearing, improper application of agrochemicals, fuelwood usage, overgrazing and rivers drying up can contribute to climate change. Furthermore, findings showed that respondents have adopted several mitigating and adaptation measures against climate change ranging from planting of shades and shelters, increased water conservation methods, planting of different crops on the same farmland, increasing their farm size observing certain agroforestry practices and choosing different planting dates.