INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON COCOYAM PRODUCTION IN KHANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE

Abstract

The study analyzed the influence of climate change on cocoyam production in Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of cocoyam farmers, examine the effect of climate change, ascertain the adaptation strategy adopted by farmers to climate change, and identified the constraints encountered by farmers. Multistage sampling technique was employed in selecting the sample size for the study. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 84 respondents. Descriptive statistics such as stables, means, frequency, distribution tables, and percentages were used in achieving objective (i) identify the socio-economic characteristics of the respondent in the study area] and objective (iv) identify the challenges encountered by farmers in adopting the strategies], while Regression Analysis were used to achieve objective (ii) Examine the effect of climate change in the study area] and objective (iii) Ascertain the adaptation strategies to climate change in the study area], Results indicated that majority of the respondent fell within the active age range of 21 - 30 years (26.67%) and 50 and above (26.67%). Regarding sex of respondents, females32(53.33%) dominated cocoyam farmers in the study areas. educational level, majority of the respondents l9(31.67%) of the respondent had senior school certificates (SSCE), 18(30%) had either (ND/HND/B.Sc./B.Ed. etc. the p-value of 0.580 is greater than the p-value of 0.05, the null hypothesis was accepted and it was concluded that Socioeconomic characteristics of cocoyam farmers does not influence the adaptation strategy to climate change. The problem faced by the cocoyam farmers in the study area were; change rainfall pattern (becoming regular), change in the length of dry season, change in heat stress, drought and excessive sunshine.