Analysis of Cashew Farmers Adaptation to Climate Change in South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: The study employed cross-sectional data obtained from Oyo and Osun state, South-western Nigeria, to explore cashew farmers’ awareness and perception of climate change, as well as to ascertain the adaptation strategies they adopt to cope with the effects of climate change. Methodology: Qualitative approaches were taken to obtain information needed to address each of the specific objectives. The responses were analysed descriptively and presented in the form of tables, bar and pie chart. Chi-square test of independence was employed to test the hypotheses. Results: Survey results indicated that almost all the respondents were aware of climate change prior to the time this survey was conducted. Moreover, a large proportion of them claimed to have noticed that temperatures were warming, while precipitation was declining. They react to these changes in climate by adopting various climate-adaptive strategies, prominent among which are introduction of new cashew varieties and intercropping of cashew alongside other crops. The study further revealed that there was a significant relationship between farmers experience and adoption of at least a single adaptation strategy. Conclusion: The survey results demonstrated that cashew farmers in the study area were aware of climate change, and they put in place adaptation measures to help them avert its negative consequences.