Farmers Perceptions of Climate Change Related Events in Shendam and Riyom, Nigeria

Abstract

Although agriculture in Nigeria is the major source of income for about 70% of the active population, the impact of agrarian infrastructure on boosting productivity and supporting livelihoods has increased. Climate change and the increasing trend of climate-related events in Nigeria challenge both the stability of agrarian infrastructure and livelihood systems. Based on case studies of two local communities in Plateau state in Nigeria, this paper utilizes a range of perceptions to examine the impacts of climate-related events on agrarian infrastructures and how agrarian livelihood systems are, in turn, affected. Data are obtained from a questionnaire survey (n = 175 farmers) and semi-structured interviews (n = 14 key informants). The study identifies local indicators of climate change, high risks climate events and the components of agrarian infrastructures that are at risk from climate events. Findings reveal that, changes in rainfall and temperature patterns increase the probability of floods and droughts. They also reveal that, although locational differences account for the high impact of floods on road transport systems and droughts on irrigation infrastructures, both have a chain of negative effects on agricultural activities, economic activities and livelihood systems. A binomial logistic regression model is used to predict the perceived impact levels of floods and droughts, while an in-depth analysis is utilized to corroborate the quantitative results. The paper further stresses the need to strengthen the institutional capacity for risk reduction through the provision of resilient infrastructures, as the poor conditions of agrarian infrastructure were identified as dominant factors on the high impact levels.

Surviving violent conflicts and climate variability: An intersectional analysis of differentiated access to diversification resources among smallholder farmers in Kuka

“…In the face of these social instabilities, climate variability is also affecting agricultural activities in southern Plateau [ 37 ]. Almost all smallholder farmers in Kuka depend on rain fed agriculture, natural land fertility and stable weather conditions.…”

“…3 ). Hitherto, the North-East dry wins which ushered in the dry seasons would begin in November and fold up in March to the extremely high temperatures which were also cooled off by the rains in April to usher in the rainy season [ 37 ]. These were so much repetitive so that they could be predicted with a 99% degree of accuracy.…”

“…These were so much repetitive so that they could be predicted with a 99% degree of accuracy. Things have changed; rains come and go at any time [ 37 ]. It is becoming increasingly difficult to predict with any degree of accuracy, when the rainy season starts and when it ends [ 39 ].…”

“…This variability in climate conditions is affecting smallholder farmers' abilities to plant certain crops like groundnuts and rice which are highly dependent on soil moistures. Staples like yam, rice and millet no longer thrive in areas that they were hitherto cultivated [ 37 ]. Farming activities have been completely altered and the risks associated with farming keep multiplying in a geometric progression [ 39 ].…”

“…In Plateau State, for instance, violent clashes between groups delineated along ethnic, religious and occupational lines have created an insecure and highly risky environment for Smallholder farmers [ 9 ]. Farming and other agrarian activities which, hitherto, constituted the main sources of sustenance for smallholder farmers have been destabilised [ 10 , 11 ].…”