FARMERS’ PERCEPTION OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES FOR SOIL CONSERVATION IN ENUGU WEST SENATORIAL ZONE, NIGERIA

Enwelu, I. A. and Chukwuma C. C.

Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

*Email: ia.enwelu@unizik.edu.ng; *Phone No.: 08035090033

** Email: bambamchibuike@gmail.com; Phone No.: 08140833872

Abstract

The study examined farmers’ perception of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies for soil conservation in Enugu West senatorial zone. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data from a cross section of 87 farmers. Male farmers dominated the study with an average age of 49 years. The mean monthly income of farmers was N38,699.78. Mixed cropping (=3.94); tree planting (=3.08) and farrowing (=3.03) were very effective existing soil conservation practices in the communities. Farmers’ perceived changing the time of planting some crops (=3.12) and use of irrigation practices (=2.59) as effective climate change adaptation strategies for soil conservation while climate change mitigation strategies perceived by farmers as effective for soil conservation were: reduction of bush burning (=3.07) and planting of trees (=2.56). Inadequate extension personnel (=3.14) and lack of adequate training (=2.63) were major constraints to farmers’ climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies for soil conservation. The factors that were found to influence climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies of the farmers were sex, marital status, level of education, household size and age. The study recommended among other things constant training of farmers on various strategies of adapting and mitigating to climate change variability.

Key words: Climate change, adaptation, mitigation, strategies, soil conservation