Socioeconomic Determinants of Rural Farmers’ Use of Ecosystem-based Adaptation Practices for Climate Change Adaptation in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed the socioeconomic determinants of farmers' use of ecosystem-based adaptation practices for climate change adaptation among rural farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. A sample of 150 farmers partcipated in the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using mean, percentages and bar charts. Results showed that intercropping (96%), crop diversification (95%), manual weeding (88%), mulching (33%) and contour cropping across hills (83%) were the most used practices. the practices were percieved effective in reducing loss of soil fertility (X = 2.5), reducing soil degradation (X = 2.5), reducing pest attack (X = 2.4), increasing crop yield (X = 2.3), reducing rate of evapotranspiration (X = 2.3) and reducing rate of spoliage of agricultural products (X = 2.2). multiple analysis result showed that at 5% confidence level, R 2 = 0.44 and F-value = 6.816, age (t = - 5.6, p = 0.000) and monthly income (t = 3.6, p = 0.001) determined farmers' use of ecosystem-based adaptation practices. Poor estension coverage (X = 4.9), inadequate capital (X = 4.8) and limited information on ecosystem-based adaptation practices limited the use of the practices. The use of innovative extension approaches was recommended.