Perception of Climate Change by Smallholder Maize Farmers in Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the awareness and impact of climate change by smallholder maize farmers in Gombe state. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used. List of registered farmers was obtained from Gombe State Agricultural Development Programe (GSADP).The primary data were collected through the use of interview schedules. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis. The result reveals that Most 43.2% of the respondent were between ages 40-49, 87.5% were male, 84.3% were married, 65.7% had 30-35 years of farming experience and only 38.8% belong to farmers association. Majority 85.6 % of the farmers were fully aware about the  changing climate and 57.3% of the farmers obtained their information about climate change through radio because it is the most available and reliable means of communication to the farmers and length of farming experience influenced awareness of changing climate. About 62.9% of the respondent  reported that decrease in rainfall reduce crop yield, 59.4% said increase in temperature damage  their crops and 50% said increase in wind speed breaks their plants. The impact observed on farm were flood, soil erosion, prolonged dry spell and reduced crop yield were rated high based on likert scale. The study recommends that extension works and community groups should enlighten the farmers on the impact of changing climate and farmers are advised to come up with early warning system on how to cope with the changing climate.