Perceived Effects of Climate Variability on Crop Production in Imo State, Nigeria

This study assessed the effect of climate variability on crop production in Imo State, Nigeria. Climate variability has direct impacts that cause vulnerability to the natural and social systems through changes in average temperatures, temperature extremes and extreme weather events like flooding and droughts. The study described the socio-economic characteristics of the crop farmers, ascertained crop farmers’ knowledge on climate variability, determined the perception of farmers on climate variability, and examined the perceived effects of climate variability on food crop yield production. A multistage sampling procedure was used in the selection of one hundred and eighty-three (183) crop-based farmers. Structured questionnaires were used in obtaining data and the data collected were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean score and multiple regression analysis. Findings show that the mean age was 48.77 years. Majority (71.58%) were females. Majority (78.14%) were married with an average household size of 8 persons. Most (65.57%) had secondary education with an average farming experience of 21.18 years. Average farm size and farm income were 1.24 hectares and ₦33,000.00 respectively. Findings show that farmers had major knowledge of climate variability as zero/minimum tillage practices (99.45%) and knowledge on rain-water harvesting (97.81%) amongst others. Farmers perceived climate variability (x̄ = 3.49), starts late and ends early (x̄ = 3.45), extremes in temperatures (x̄ = 3.39), too much/heavy rains (x̄ = 3.396) and long dry spells during the season (x̄ = 3.51), amongst others. Crop farmers further perceived that climate variability has resulted in declining crop yields (x̄ = 3.35), increased water scarcity on farm (x̄ = 3.45), high incidences of pest and diseases (x̄ = 3.29), and increased rate of erosion/flooding (x̄ = 3.50) amongst others. The study strongly recommends that the extension services should be strengthened so as to pay farmers regular visits to ascertain their challenges on the effects of climate variability and know where to assist them.