Agricultural community-based impact assessment and farmers’ perception of climate change in selected Ecological Zones in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background The impacts of climate change are affecting sustenance and livelihood of many rural farmers in Africa. The majority of these farmers have low adaptive capacity. This study investigates climate change impacts, farmers’ perception, adaptation options and barriers to adaptation in three selected ecological zones in Nigeria using three staple crops. Rainfall and temperature data of over 35 years were analysed using ANOVA, Mann Kendall and Sen’s Slope Analysis. Farmers’ perception of climate change and cropping experiences were assessed with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire, semi-structured interview and focus group discussion. Results The results of the study revealed high variability in the annual and monthly rainfall and temperature during the study period. The highest annual maximum temperature was recorded in Kwara with Tmax > 32 ℃. Though, there appeared to be spatial and temporal variations in rainfall in the study area, the highest was in Ogun with mean annual rainfall = 1586.9 mm and lowest in Kwara with mean annual rainfall = 1222.6 mm. Generally the Mann Kendall and Sen's slope analysis revealed general increase in the minimum and maximum temperature, while rainfall revealed generally downward trend. The study revealed a difference in farmers’ perception but nearly 74% of farmers perceived that climate is changing, which is affecting their farming activities. Nearly 70% claimed that lack of financial capital is the major barrier to climate change adaptation. Conclusions The study concludes that rainfall and temperature variability have significantly impacted cropping and that farmers are aware of long-term changes in temperature and rainfall, but some are unable to identify those changes as climate change. There is a need for affordable and available improved seedlings and variety of crops that can adapt to climate change conditions.