This study examined the contribution of subsidized inputs to farmers' level of maize production in Sikasso region of Mali. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 200 beneficiaries of input subsidy for this study. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data which were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as Chi-square, Pearson Product Moment Correction (PPMC), ANOVA and regression at 0.05 significant level. Results reveal beneficiaries' mean age to be 48.50 years. Almost all (99.0%) beneficiaries were males and married, while 63.5% had informal education. Mean farm size and mean seasonal income were 3.18 ha and 259,250 Fcfa ($432) respectively. Subsidized inputs that were mostly used and accessed by beneficiaries were UREA and NPK fertilizers, while Diammonium phosphate, organic fertilizer and hybrid seeds were least accessed and used. Inadequate financial capability to purchase inputs despite being subsidized and insufficiency of inputs were the major constraints faced by beneficiaries. Farm size (r=0.57, p≤0.01) and income (r=0.271, p≥0.01) were significantly related to respondents' production level. Significant difference exists in the level of maize production among beneficiaries' groups (f=8.646, p

The study investigated the perceived effect of climate change on forest dependent rural livelihoods in Oyo State, Nigeria with the view of identifying possible adaptation strategies. A total of 208 respondents were randomly sampled from Olokemeji and Onigambari forest reserves in Oluyole and Ibarapa East Local Government Area (LGA), respectively. Data collected were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages Chi square and PPMC. Result shows that major livelihood activities were farming (100.0%) and trading of forest products (92.8%). Respondents were vulnerable to climate change effects with respect to undefined season (90.4%), shortage of food production (84.1%), reduction in crop yield (80.8%), pest and disease outbreak (77.9%) which affects their livelihood activities. Major adaptation strategies utilized were soil protection through tree planting (88.5%), planting of different varieties of NTFPs and TFPs (87.0%), practicing shifting cultivation (81.8%) and use of organic fertilizer (81.7%). Respondents' use of weather insurance was sparing in the study area. Significant relationship existed between farm size (r=-0.257; p≤0.01), monthly income (r=-0.319; p≤0.01) and perceived effect of climate change. Adaptation strategies (r=0.309; p≤0.05) used was significantly related with perceived effect of climate change. Afforestation should be encouraged among forest dependent farmers in addition to adaptation strategies utilised against climate change. The study recommends the need to educate farmers on the importance and benefit of weather insurance against financial loss due to climate change effects.

The study examined adaptation strategies to climate change among crop farmers in Kita, Kayes region of Mali. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 109 respondents for the study. Structured interview schedule was used to elicit responses from respondents. Data were analysed using mean, percentages and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Respondents were mostly male (58.7%), married (93.6%) and had no formal education (87.2%). Average age, household size, farming experience and output were 45. 28±14.78 years, 16.70±10.65 persons. 29.70±13.75 years and 2,335.77±2,139.41tonnes, respectively. Respondents' primarily engage in crop farming (100.0%) with the majority producing at the subsistence level (99.1%), using sole cropping pattern (94.5%). Information sources on climate change effects were NGOs (90.8%) and friends/relatives (39.4%). Knowledge of climate change effects was high (76.4%) and prominent adaptation strategies used were timely planting ( =1.93) and planting of short cycled seed ( =1.12). Establishing cereal banks (98.4%), building and maintenance of small dams (95.9%), diversifying agricultural production (72.4%) and strengthening early warning systems (70.7%) were never used by most respondents. None of the respondents ever employed the use of zaï -planting pits, half-moon (demi-lune) and stone cord as an adaptation strategies owing to inadequate financial capability. Significant relationship existed between farm size (r=0.201, p≤0.05), household size (r=0.310, p≤0.01), sources of information (r=0.447, p≤0.01), knowledge (r=0.326, p≤0.01) and adaptation strategies. The study recommends that efforts be made by government and NGOs to disseminate and monitor farmers' use of sustainable adaptation strategies so that substantial increase in production can be attained.