Farmers’ Climate Change Understanding and Mitigation Strategies in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The challenges of climate change are increasingly becoming major issues of concern to many regions in the world. Despite reduction in agricultural outputs, rapid diseases outbreak, shortage of rainfall and desert encroachment are serious negative consequences associated with climate change. In local communities in Nigeria, farmers adapt certain fundamental strategies as an approach toward enhancing farm production despite the menace. The research therefore surveyed the understanding of climate change, its causes and consequences among 500 farmers in Kebbi state located in north-western Nigeria. The results of this study found that many farmers are not aware of the tragedy but experienced its negative impacts. However, among farmers with good understanding of the problems, fundamental steps were been applied to ensure land protection and boost agricultural outputs. The study further explained the measures required to elevate situation awareness among respondents as a key to addressing climate change.