Climate Change Awareness and Its Effects on Crop Output in Oyo State

Abstract

Several adaptation strategies to climate change are being practiced by farmers but empirical information on the influence of such practices on crop output is not tested. This study examined farmer's response to climate change problems and the possible effect on crop output. The study area was Akinyele local government from which 100 farmers were randomly selected from 16 villages. Data were collected through oral interviews using questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive and econometric tools. The results show that the decrease in output noticed by farmers was attributed to the changing conditions in the weather, the nature of the soil and soil conservation techniques. Farmers' perceptions on climate change are related to the negative effects such as crop destruction (26 percent) while some of them (42 percent) saw it as being 'supernatural'. The common response (43 percent) is to mitigate its effect by changing the planting date of crops while another 16 percent increased the use of chemicals on the farm. Other adaptation techniques include a decrease in the land area for crops such as maize and an increase of the land area under cassava. The econometric analysis shows that some of the adaptation techniques are having negative impacts on output. The research showed that farmers have varied understanding of climate change. There is a need for proper education and awareness on correct adaptation strategies as well as state support for proper adaptation of such techniques so that food supply will not be jeopardized.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Ibadan, Oyo-State

“…Adeola [27] researched at Akinyele local government in Ibadan and reported that Crop destruction was associated with climate change effects (26%) and 2%t associated crop destruction with the scarcity of food items and the increase in food prices. Majority of the farmers complained that the early maize planted in the survey year was totally destroyed due to the sudden decline of the rain.…”