Rural Farmers’ Perception of Ecosystem-Based Climate Change Adaptation Practices in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract:

The study analyzed rural farmers’ perception of ecosystem-based climate change adaptation strategies in Anambra State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were determination of awareness of EbA, identification of sources of information on EbA, ascertainment of EbA practices used by the farmers, analysis of the perception of EbA and identification of the constraints to EbA. Data were obtained from a sample of 120 rural farmers selected using multi-stage sampling procedure and were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. Results showed that the majority (57.5%) of the farmers was male, a greater proportion (38.3%) was within the age range of 41-50 years, with a mean age of about 40 years and a greater proportion (42.5%) had friends/relatives as their major source of credit. It further revealed that the majority (92.5%) of the farmers was aware of EbA and that local government officials (62.2%), television (87.4%) and radio (83.2%) were the dominant sources of information on EbA in the area. Crop diversification (95.0%), intercropping (95.8%) and manual weeding (87.5%) were the major EbA practices used. The perceptions of EbA included reduced soil fertility loss (X = 2.52), reduced soil degradation (X = 2.50), reduced pest attack (X = 2.40) and increased yield (X = 2.35). The major barriers to the use of EbA in the area were poor extension coverage (X = 4.89), inadequate capital (X= 4.75) and high labour requirement (X = 3.72). It was recommended that more field extension staff should be recruited and trained on EbA practices and policies should made to promote EbA in the area.