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

Main Article Content

Polycarp C. Umunakwe
Ogbonna O. Aja
Magaret Ibe
Chukwu-Okonya C.R
Onyeagoro C.R.

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. 

Article Details

Section
Articles
Author Biographies

Polycarp C. Umunakwe

Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State Nigeria

Ogbonna O. Aja

Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State Nigeria

Magaret Ibe

Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State Nigeria

Chukwu-Okonya C.R

Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State Nigeria

Onyeagoro C.R.

Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State Nigeria