Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change among Cereal Crop Farmers in Kita, Kayes Region of Mali

Abstract

The study examined adaptation strategies to climate change among crop farmers in Kita, Kayes region of Mali. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 109 respondents for the study. Structured interview schedule was used to elicit responses from respondents. Data were analysed using mean, percentages and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Respondents were mostly male (58.7%), married (93.6%) and had no formal education (87.2%). Average age, household size, farming experience and output were 45.28±14.78 years, 16.70±10.65 persons. 29.70±13.75 years and 2,335.77±2,139.41tonnes, respectively. Respondents’ primarily engage in crop farming (100.0%) with the majority producing at the subsistence level (99.1%), using sole cropping pattern (94.5%). Information sources on climate change effects were NGOs (90.8%) and friends/relatives (39.4%). Knowledge of climate change effects was high (76.4%) and prominent adaptation strategies used were timely planting ( =1.93) and planting of short cycled seed ( =1.12). Establishing cereal banks (98.4%), building and maintenance of small dams (95.9%), diversifying agricultural production (72.4%) and strengthening early warning systems (70.7%) were never used by most respondents. None of the respondents ever employed the use of zaï - planting pits, half-moon (demi-lune) and stone cord as an adaptation strategies owing to inadequate financial capability. Significant relationship existed between farm size (r=0.201, p≤0.05), household size (r=0.310, p≤0.01), sources of information (r=0.447, p≤0.01), knowledge (r=0.326, p≤0.01) and adaptation strategies. The study recommends that efforts be made by government and NGOs to disseminate and monitor farmers’ use of sustainable adaptation strategies so that substantial increase in production can be attained.

Keywords: Adaptation strategies, climate change, cereal farmers, Mali