ABSTRACT
The research was aimed at identifying the determinants of farmers’ choice of adaptation methods to climatic change in south-east Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers, identify the determinants to choice of farmers’ adaptation method, identify the farmers’ choice of adaptation methods and identify the limiting factors to farmers’ adaptation options in the study area. A total of 120 famers were selected using multistage random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and from primary sources. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as percentages and frequency distributions, and the multi-nominal logit model. The results of farmers socioeconomic characteristics showed that most of the farmers were aged, educated, experienced and members of different organizations. The results of major adaptation strategies used by the farmers were use of multiple cropping / intercropping, use of resistant varieties and use of crop diversification. The factors influencing farmers’ choice of adaptation methods were level of education, farm size, rainfall, temperature and distance to input markets. The result also showed that the major factors limiting adaptation of the strategies were poor access to funds, high cost of inputs, lack of access to improved cocoyam, and labour unavailability. There is need to enhance farmers’ access to credit, extension services and to subsidize improved production materials |
KEYWORDS: |
Determinants, Cocoyam, farmers' Choice, Adaptation Methods, Climate Change |
