CONSTRAINTS TO CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AMONG CASSAVA WOMEN FARMERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AND FOOD SECURITY IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigated constraints to climate change adaptation among cassava women farmers and highlighted implications for agricultural transformation and food security in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study described the socio-economic characteristics of cassava women farmers, ascertained major manifestations of climate change, determined constraints to women adaptation in cassava production and highlighted implications for agricultural transformation and food security in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A total of 160 cassava women farmers randomly selected constituted the sample size for the study, while structured interview guide was employed for data collection and frequency counts and percentages, multiple regression and factor analysis techniques were employed. Results show that majority (56.9%) of the women farmers were within the ages of 31-50 years, while majority (70.0%) had SSCE/WASC/GCE O/L qualifications and majority (60.1%) reported estimated annual income of N51,000.00-N150,000.00. Some of the major manifestations of climate change effects in cassava production were reported as hotness of weather (-6.611), variability in relative humidity (3.488), and frequency of flood (-2.585). Principal factors such as; lack of institutional support, inadequate socio-cultural attitude and poor managerial skill were identified as constraints to climate change adaptation in cassava production. The study highlighted implications for agricultural transformation and food security on improved extension training in farmers groups, group resources management, improved funding to extension and extension training on climate change adaptation. Effectiveness in adaptation to climate change for cassava based agricultural transformation and food security in Ebonyi State, Nigeria depends on the extent major climate change effects raised and constraints identified can be addressed and sustained. The study recommends government provision of basic infrastructure, access to cassava inputs, improved extension services on climate change adaptation and women groups' resources management.