Agroforestry Technology: A Climate Change Mitigation Measure for Sustainable Food Security in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Oil and Gas production in Nigeria are domiciled in the Niger Delta. Agroforestry technologies were introduced as mitigation strategies against food insecurity as land management technique due to constant litigation on accusation of emissions, increase climate change and environmental devastation. Objectives were to determine reasons for agroforestry practice by rural women and identify effects of agroforestry technologies on income in the oil and gas rich Niger Delta. A total of 270 respondents in Bayelsa, Imo and Rivers States were selected using purposive and random sampling techniques. Data were collected with questionnaires and focus group discussion. Descriptive statistics and Discriminating index were used for analysis. Results showed a mean age of 51years, 38% completed secondary school, 77% married, household size of 6 and 3-4 years’ experience. A discriminating index of 2.5, food production (2.8*), Income generation (3.4*), raw materials production (3.3*), Nutrient replenishing (3.1*) and soil quality (2.9*) topped reasons for agroforestry practice. It was concluded that Agroforestry technology should be advocated through extension education to meet food needs of Niger Delta to addressing the reputations of Multinational Oil and Gas companies in Nigeria. This study recommends that Multinational Oil and Gas companies should assist primary stakeholders to establish agroforestry farms as part of its corporate social responsibility addressing food insecurity and unemployment.