Farmers? Perception and Adaptative Initiative to the Effect of Climate Change on Food Production in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Farmers perception and adaptive initiative to the effects of climate change on food production in Abakaliki L. G. A of Ebonyi State was studied. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select a total of 120 respondents. Primary data were collected with the use of structured questionnaire and interview schedule and analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The result of the study shows that the farmers practised different agricultural activities which include crop productions, livestock production and agro- processing as well as marketing of agricultural produce. Climate change manifestations perceived by the farmers were unusual heavy rainfall, increase in temperature and soil erosion problem, among others. Some adaptive strategies such as mixed farming, mixed cropping and planting of tree crops, as well as use of organic and inorganic manure were adopted by the respondents. The result of factor analysis identified socio-economic, institutional and infrastructural problems as factors militating against the farmers adaptation to climate change. The study revealed that the farmers have accurate perception of climate change and its impact on agricultural production and environment. It was recommended that government should articulate and integrate climate change awareness and adaptation measures into the mainstream policy frameworks among others.