Strategic Assessment of Climate Change Impact on Production of Some Selected Crops: Evidence from 2021 Cropping Season in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of climate change on crop production in the state in the year 2021. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey design. Place and Duration of Study: All the existing 34, Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Katsina State, and the research was conducted between October 2021 and March 2022. Methodology: Data was gathered via questionnaires administered to farmers’, employing Village and Block Extension Agents’ as enumerators. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed. The first stage involved classifying the state into three ecological zones. The second stage comprises random selection of three villages from each 34 LGAs to give (102 villages). The third stage was accomplished, based on the lists of farmers (26,589) frame, obtained from Katsina State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA), twelve thousand (12,000) farmers were selected proportionately for the study, using systematic random sampling technique. Results: The results indicated that male and youthful age dominate production respectively (78%) (54). large proportion (95%) fall within formal to post primary education and also, more than two-third (69) had no extension contact and highest  (35%) obtained income from #300,001- #450,000. The findings on impact of climate change on crop production showed that (648,300 hectares) cultivated land and 633,950 tons (63,400 bags) of crops were lost. The analysis further unveiled that among the three ecological zones of the state, Sahel Savannah had the most devastating effect of losses, at both cultivated land (292,200 hectares) and crop yield (267,100 tons). More so, the result portrayed that amongst the assorted crops produced in the area, millet, groundnut, cowpea, and sorghum were the major crops affected by climate change scourge. Conclusion: Climate change is real and its manifestations are becoming alarming progressively, hence urgent steps need to be taken to avert the menace. It is recommended that farmers be educated on climate change aspects in respect to crop production and research station should develop more seeds adaptable to a given circumstances. Government should ensure accurate estimation of climate to facilitate other stake holders’ early preparation.