FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES AMONG SMALLHOLDER MAIZE FARMERS IN IKENNE AGRICULTURAL ZONE, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Climate change is a worldwide issue, especially for the agriculture sector, which suffers from decreased crop yields, food insecurity, and financial losses. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the methods farmers employ to lessen the negative effects of climate change as well as the variables influencing the degree to which smallholder maize farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria, are implementing climate change adaptation strategies. 240 agricultural households provided primary data using structured questionnaires. In particular, the study used a Poisson regression model and descriptive statistics to determine the proportion of smallholder farmers that used each of the proposed indigenous and introduced adaptation options. According to the study smallholder farmers used a combination of adaptation techniques, including irrigation, cultivating resistant varieties, and agroforestry. However, the adoption of introduced climate adaptation measures was significantly influenced by factors such as farm income, years of formal education, marital status, access to extension services, and climatic information. Significant factors impacting the adoption of indigenous climate change adaptation techniques were years of formal education, farm size, credit availability, access to climatic knowledge, involvement in off-farm activities, farm revenue, and farm experience. As a result, the study recommends that government policies and investment plans concentrate on encouraging improved access to extension services, providing on-farm demonstration training, and disseminating information on measures for adapting to climate change, particularly for smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Also, information and communication technology must therefore be used by the government, stakeholders, and donor organizations to develop innovations that increase the agricultural extension system's capacity to address climate change.