Evaluation of the Awareness, Knowledge Level and Perception of Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Measures by Rural People in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Climate change is one of the most serious environmental challenges facing our planet today. The present study assessed the awareness, knowledge level and perception of the impacts of climate change, and adaptation methods implemented by rural people in the Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 1200 copies of the structured survey questionnaire were randomly administered across the three states. The questionnaire was used to elicit information on various issues such as socio-demographic characteristics, climate change awareness, knowledge, and perception by the respondents. The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics (mean, frequency and percentage). The results showed that about 90–93% of the respondents from the three states claimed to know about climate change. Most respondents opted for the use of certified seeds as an important adaptation strategy against climate change. Many respondent believed that individuals could do something to adapt to climate change, while some respondents perceived that climate change will result in a reduction in the quality of life, while a few respondents said that people should not worry about climate change.