Climate Change among Yam and Cassava Farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria: Adaptation for Sustainable Agricultural Yield and Food Security Index

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of climate change on yam and cassava production in Anambra State, Nigeria, and examined farmers’ adaptation strategies for sustainable yield and food security. Specifically, the objectives were to examine farmers’ perceived causes of climate change, identify its effects on yam and cassava production, determine the adaptation strategies adopted, and identify constraints to effective adaptation. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 farmers from four local government areas. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using percentages and mean scores. The findings showed that flooding and excessive rainfall were the major perceived climate-related challenges. The most serious effects included rotting of root and tuber crops, reduced yields, increased food insecurity, and declining market value. Major adaptation strategies adopted were the use of early maturing varieties, adjustment of planting and harvesting dates, livelihood diversification, and cultivation on ridges and mounds. However, adoption of advanced measures, such as reliance on weather forecasts, planting drought-resistant crops, application of minimum tillage, and planting trees, was low due to inadequate climate information, expensive improved varieties, and weak early warning systems. The study recommends strengthening extension services and climate education, improving dissemination of timely weather information, subsidizing improved and flood tolerant varieties, promoting affordable community-based irrigation, providing access to agricultural credit, and implementing effective flood control and climate-smart agricultural policies.