Agriculture remains a critical sector of Nigeria’s economy, providing livelihoods for most rural households and contributing significantly to food security. Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is one of Nigeria’s most important staple crops, valued for its nutritional, economic, and socio-cultural significance. However, yam production is increasingly threatened by climate change through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, flooding, and increased pest and disease incidence, particularly in flood-prone areas such as Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State. This study examined the effect of climate change adaptation strategies on yam production in Anambra West LGA. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 yam farmers from ten communities. Primary data were collected using a structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, adaptation strategies, and constraints, while multiple regression analysis was used to determine the effect of adaptation strategies on yam production. Results showed that yam farming in the area is dominated by middle-aged male farmers operating small-scale farms. Commonly adopted adaptation strategies included crop rotation, mixed cropping, and mulching, while irrigation and staggered planting were not practiced. Regression results revealed that climate change adaptation strategies had significant and positive effects on yam production, particularly through reduced drought losses. The study concludes that climate change adaptation strategies significantly enhance yam production and farmers’ resilience. Strengthening extension services, improving access to climate-smart inputs, and enhancing farmer capacity are essential for sustainable yam production under changing climatic conditions.
Akaninyene Obot (Fri,) studied this question.