Small Holder Maize Farmers’ Perceptions and Adaptations to Climate Change Bauchi LGA, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to analyses the perceptions and adaptations of small holder maize farmers to climate change in the Bauchi LGA Bauchi State, Nigeria. Data were collected from a sample of 120 small holder maize farmers using multistage sampling procedure. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, and percentage) and inferential statistics (regression analysis). The result revealed that majority (62.5%) of the respondents fall within the range of 35 – 54 years of age, with mean age of 38 and household sizes ranging between 6 – 10 members. It also revealed that 21.6% of the respondents had no formal education. The result further revealed that majority (75%) of the respondent perceived occurrence of climate change through awareness of decrease in rainfall per annum and 60% through the awareness of increase in temperature over the years. The respondents generally agree to most of the perception statements about climate change.  The main adaptation strategies adopted by the farmers were, use of improved varieties, (58%) diversification of crop (52%) and irrigation (16%) The results also indicated that age (-0.113) significantly but negatively affects the decision of farmers to adopt an adaptation strategy.   About 25% of the respondents did not adopt any adaptation strategy which could be attributed to their lack of understanding of the concept of climate change. The major constraint to adoption of an adaptation strategy according to 83.3 % of the respondents is financial constraints. . It was recommended that government at all levels should sensitize the farmers on the concept of climate change. And that policies that would improve access to credit, extension service delivery and off-farm jobs, should be pursued.