Climate Change Information Needs of Rural Farmers in Enugu State.

Abstract

The study assessed the information needs of rural farmers on climate change issues in Enugu State, Nigeria. Using the multistage sampling procedure, 152 respondents were selected and data were collected through the use of a structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis and multiple linear regression model were used for the analysis. Results of the study showed that all (100.0%) the respondents were aware of climate change, but lacked adequate knowledge of key climate change issues. The multiple linear regression model revealed a significant influence of years of formal education (t= 2.020; p≤0.05), membership of social organizations (t=2.385; p≤0.05), number of climate change training (t= -2.438; p= p≤0.05), farm size (t=2.564; p≤0.05), and access to credit (t=2.833; p≤0.05) on the respondents’ level of knowledge on climate change. The information needs on climate change as perceived by farmers were: use of improved varieties ( χ= 1.80), occupational diversification ( χ=1.78), and change in timing of farm operations ( χ=1.76), among others. Poor extension services and infrastructure were the major constraints to effective communication of climate change information. The study recommends the empowerment of extension agents by government to teach farmers climate change adaptation and mitigation measures using languages they can understand and in a participatory manner so as to enable them cope with the challenges of climate change.

Keywords: Adaptation strategy, climate change, information needs, rural farmers, mitigation measures.