Climate Change Information Needs of Pineapple Farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study identified climate change (CC) information needs of pineapple farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used to select two zones (Awgu and Nsukka zones), four blocks, eight circles and eighty pineapple farmers that were used for the study. Data were analysed with percentage, mean score and standard deviation.. Majority (97.5%) of the pineapple farmers were aware of climate change while 95% indicated that pineapples are sensitive to climate change. They sourced information on climate change from newspaper (95%) and radio (63.8%). They pointed out excessive heat (86.2%) and irregular rain (82.5%) as evidences of climate change with respect to their area while reduction in yield (95%), size (86.2%) and income (86, 2%) were effects of climate change on pineapples. Avoidance of bush burning (M=2.56) and avoidance of deforestation (M=2.29) were respondents major mitigation measures while diversification into non-farm occupations was their only major adaptation measure to climate change. Prediction of commencement of rain and adaptation measures to climate change (97.5% each) were areas respondents needed information on climate change. The study pointed out the need to acquaint pineapple farmers with credible information that will emphasize on prediction of rain and specific mitigation and adaptive measures to climate change on pineapple farms and in general for a better agriculture and a healthier nation.

Key words: Information, Climate, Pineapple