Gender roles in climate change adaptation strategies by cassava farmers in Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State

Abstract

The study examined gender roles in climate change adaptation strategies used by cassavabased farmers in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. It specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers across all gender levels, identified adaptation strategies practiced by these farmers across gender levels and the problems encountered by cassava farmers in the use of adaptation strategies in the study area. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 60 respondents in the study area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results of socio-economic characteristics of the farmers showed that 56.6% of the male farmers were married which is greater than 46.60% of the married females. The males had more average income of N1,620,000.13 compared to N 133,000.66 for the females. The females had more farm experience than the males, while the male cultivated larger farms. The main adaptation strategies used by cassava farmers in the study area were change of planting date, moving to a different site, mixed cropping and changing the timing of land preparation. Irregular extension services were the major constraint faced by the cassava farmers with a mean value of 3.722 for male farmers and mean of 4.411 for female farmers. It is concluded that gender plays several roles in climate change adaptation strategies in cassava-based farming in the study area. Based on the findings, efforts should be made by government and relevant stakeholders to educate cassava farmers on climate change adaptation strategies along gender lines.

Strengthening Climate Change Adaptive Capacity of Rural Women Crop Farmers through Reduced Social Exclusion in Nigeria

“…This is evident in a study conducted on gender roles in climate change adaptation strategies by cassava-based farmers in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State. Henri-Ukoha et al [30]- [32] reported the practice of change of time for land preparation, change of harvest dates and use of early crop maturing varieties. Adzawla et al [42] reported the use of zero tillage and intercropping by female farmers while Assan et al [43] identified the varying planting dates, crop diversification and use of improved crop varieties to adapt to climate change effects.…”

“…For 62% and 74% of the female respondents make decision to sell small livestock and poultry, respectively in Nupe and Yoruba in Nigeria [45], [46]. However, Henri-Ukoha et al [30]- [32] enumerated the challenges faced by the female cassava-based farmers in Gokana Local Government Area in practicing climate change adaptation strategies as irregular contact with agricultural extension agents, lack of access to improved cassava varieties and non-availability of credit facilities. The extension agents are supposed to teach the farmers how to use the effective adaptation practices, but when they are not available, the women are deprived of the information.…”