Socioeconomic Conditions, Climate Change Vulnerabilities and Weed Challenges among Rice Farmers in Benue and Nasarawa States

Abstract

A 2024 survey assessed the socioeconomic characteristics of rice farmers in Benue and Nasarawa States, their vulnerability to climate change, particularly weed infestations and their adoption of climate-resilient practices. The study covered eight LGAs: Agatu, Guma, Gwer West, and Ohimini in Benue State; and Awe, Doma, Keana, and Lafia in Nasarawa State, spanning 32 rice-farming communities. Using the KOBOCOLLECT tool, 320 farmers were interviewed, and data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and ranked by magnitude. Most respondents were 31–40 years old, married, and had secondary education. Farming was their primary occupation, with 11–15 years of experience. Annual incomes ranged from ₦501,000 to ₦700,000, household sizes averaged four to six members, and most had resided in their communities for 1–15 years. The dominant rice variety cultivated was Faro 44, preferred for its high yield, adaptability, and availability. Variety selection was also influenced by market demand, maturity period, pest resistance, soil suitability, and cultural preferences. Climate-related challenges were significant. High temperature ranked as the most severe constraint, followed by flooding, erosion, erratic rainfall, and land degradation. Limited access to climate information, weak adaptive capacity, and heavy weed infestations, particularly barnyard grass, nutgrass, morning glory, and Siam weed, further reduced productivity. To cope, farmers adopted improved varieties, agroforestry, rainwater harvesting, irrigation, integrated pest management, crop diversification, and cooperative membership. The study recommends enhanced farmer education, stronger extension services, improved market access, better rural infrastructure, and intensified research on climate-resilient rice and weed management.