Climate change adaptation needs of male and female oil palm entrepreneurs in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed gender dimension to climate change adaptation practice (CCAP) needs of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) farmers in Edo State, Nigeria. A multistage process involving random and snow ball techniques were used to draw 120 respondents from 14 communities. Data were collected with the aid of a questionnaire and analyzed using frequency count, means, percentages and t-test. Findings show that oil palm farming was dominated by males (78.3%). 47.5% of the respondents had a farm size of <4ha and a total mean family size of 6 persons. Males (77.5-99.3%) were highly involved in on-farm and females (48.3-71.7%) in off-farm oil palm activities The CCAP considered relevant included appropriate spacing ( x̄ =2.99), agro forestry (x̄ = 2.79) and soil enrichment ( x̄ =2.62). Major challenges to accessing relevant CCAP included inadequate capital ( x̄ = 2.86) and poor extension service ( x̄ =2.60). Training needs were indicated by females mostly in marketing forecast ( x̄ =3.00), palm oil storage ( x̄ =2.91) maintenance of equipment ( x̄ =2.89) while for males, spacing ( x̄ =2.94), equipment maintenance ( x̄ =2.91) and soil enrichment ( x̄ =2.91). Significant difference existed between male and female respondents ( 24.65< 27.96) with respect to training needs on climate change adaptation oil palm post-harvest practices. The study concludes that capacities be built on climate change adaptation practice needs indicated and also women should be targeted more in post-harvest skill development since they are the key players in oil palm post-harvest.

Keywords: climate change adaptation, male and feamel needs, oil palm in Nigeria