Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

CLIMATE CHANGE TREND AND APPROPRIATE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

I.U.O Nwaiwu; D.O. Ohajianya; J.S. Orebiyi, U.C. Ibekwe, J. I. Lemchi; S.U.O. Onyeagocha,B. Odoemena; C. O. Utazi; C.O. Osuagwu & C.M. Tasie

This study analysed climate change trend and the appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies in Southeast Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select a sample of 312 cassava based food crop farmers whose responses formed part of the data for this study. Secondary time series data on climate variables were collected from National Root Crop Research Institute Umudike, an agro-metrological station found within the study location. Data were analysed using appropriate descriptive statistical tools like mean, frequencies, percentages and frequency polygon/line graphs. Result showed that temperature and rainfall which are the two most significant climate elements that affect food crop production in Nigeria, exhibited increasing trend. It was found also that adaptation strategies that were more appropriate to farmers in the study area were late commencement of planting, use of fertilizers, choice of cropping systems, breakage of daily work schedule and planting of cover crops among others. It was concluded that the climate system is indeed adversely changing and hence concerted effort/sacrifice should be made by government, individual households and private investors towards supporting environmentally sustainable production activities and capacity building to alleviate the farmers’ adaptation and resilience to climate change

Published Date: 2013-10-12;