Adaptation Strategies to Climate Variability being Practiced by Farmers’ in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
1Okringbo, J. I.,2Ominikari, A. G. & 3Gbede, O. I.
Department of Rural Sociology and Extension,
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
E-mail: inemo4real@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
This paper determines adaptation strategies to climate variability being practiced by farmers in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. This information was gathered using structured questionnaire, 120 rural farmers in three Local Government Areas using purposive sampling technique. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentages, mean scores, correlation and T- test. The results revealed that the farmers were marginally dominated by females (60.0%). Majority of the farmers (82.0%) were married. A high proportion (65%) had farm sizes of 0.001-0.015 hectares. Majority of respondents (50.0%) were cassava farmers. The results revealed that adaptation strategies being practiced by farmers (use of improved genetic resource, improved production techniques, practiced zero tillage, postponing of planting period and crop rotation) were high than the bench mark mean scores (2.5) and was identified to be effective. The results of the correlation matrix revealed a positive correlation between age (.237**), farm size (.352**), educational status (.261**) and improve genetic resource and were significant at 5% respectively. The results confirmed that there is a positive correlation between adaptation strategies practice by farmers and socio economic characteristics. Hence, the study recommended that government should provide storage and processing facilities in the study area.
Key words: Adaptation strategies, climate variability and rural farmers
