ABSTRACT

This paper analyzed farmers’ perceptions of the effect of climate change on cassava production in Ondo State, Nigeria. Data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in the selection of eighty (80) respondents used for the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a 5-point Likert scale. The major adaptation strategies adopted by the cassava farmers in the study area were: ridging across the land to combat flooding, mulching, and the use of cover crops, altering planting schedules and planting of early maturing varieties. The results showed that cassava farmers in the study area strongly agreed that climate change led to increase in the total cost of production and that it brought about low output. However, respondents agreed that increase in incidence of drought, increase in pests and diseases infestation and increase in temperature were effects of climate change they experienced in the course of cassava production in the study area. The study therefore recommended that irrigation and drainage facilities should be provided at affordable prices to cassava farmers to forestall climate change-related problems.