Climate change poses significant threats to agricultural systems in Africa and necessitates a comprehensive understanding of adaptation dynamics across various actors in the value chain. The study investigates the impact of temperature and rainfall on yam tuber losses in Kwara State, Nigeria, and evaluates the perceptions, adaptive capacities, and barriers faced by yam traders. A descriptive research method was used with long-term (1982-2023) temperature and rainfall data obtained through the National Aeronautics and Safety Administration archives. Results indicate that 1987 and 2002 were among the hottest years on record, each with an annual maximum temperature of 32.03°C. The result revealed that the majority of yam traders believed that climate change is real, and despite acknowledging its impact on yam tuber losses, there was no consensus on its extent, with traders estimating losses between 20% and 30%. The study recommends that the injection of more sociocultural, financial, and physical capital should be considered to prevent future losses, as traditional technology is a promising adaptation for traders.
Olaitan et al. (Wed,) studied this question.