The Impact of Climate Change-Induced Disaster and Humanitarian Response on Farmers in Rural Communities of Oyo State, Nigeria.

Abstract:

In low-income communities, climate change has intensified the occurrence and severity of environmental shocks, causing disproportionate damage to rural agricultural communities. Climate variability has induced a growing vulnerability among smallholder farmers in Nigeria, particularly in Oyo State, due to a lack of institutional support and insufficient access to climate risk mitigation tools. This study examines the complex interplay between climate-induced disasters, humanitarian response mechanisms, and farmer vulnerability in selected rural communities of Oyo State. The study employed a mixed-method approach, drawing data from 72 respondents who comprised farmers and humanitarian actors; structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were utilized. An analysis of the relationships among disaster experiences, preparedness, and institutional responses was conducted using descriptive statistics and inferential methods, particularly Chi-square tests. The study’s findings showed that a majority of rural farmers are low-income males, with little to no access to information regarding climate preparedness information and early warning systems. The study found no significant correlation between climate disasters and farmer protection, mitigation strategies, or direct government intervention despite the existence of various governmental and non-governmental disaster management frameworks. Notwithstanding, respondents reported that there were notable inconsistencies in the humanitarian engagement and support from civil societies and local agencies. Identified as key challenges were issues like a lack of inter-agency coordination, a lack of post-disaster recovery mechanisms, insufficient funding for disaster mitigation, and poor policy implementation. Through these findings, the study infers that such gaps as these aggravate farmers’ vulnerability and complicate efforts targeted at resilience-building. Policy-wise, the study recommends the strengthening of early warning communication through local education initiatives, improvements in multi-agency coordination, and the expansion of access to climate adaptation finance. Insight from past humanitarian appeals from countries most vulnerable to climate change, such as those in 2020, emphasize the need for inclusive and proactive disaster preparedness strategies, tailored to the local socio-economic realities of rural farming communities.