Strategies for Implementing Agro-Industrial Policy in the Face of Climate Change in South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

The development of the agro-industrial sector lies in increasing agricultural productivity which is directly affected by climatic changes. The study, therefore, evaluated the strategies for implementing agro-industrial policy in the face of climate change in Southwestern, Nigeria. The study adopted a participatory Field Survey Method to carry out a preliminary survey, while a multistage sampling procedure was used to select 238 crop processors/agro-industrialist. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule and analyzed with frequency distribution and percentage as main descriptive statistical tools. The study revealed different subsectors of agriculture adversely affected by climate change and several recommendations for policy formulation on climate change for sustainable agro-industrialization in the area. The study, therefore, recommends that stakeholders in agro-processing industries and governments at various levels should engage in regular consultation and participatory management mechanisms to reduce the effects of climate change on agro-industries and come up with policy documents that will promote and enhance sustainable agro-industrialization in South-west in particular and Nigeria at large. Keywords: Agro-Industries, Agro-processors, Climate Change, Policy Issues.