Analysis of the challenges of climate smart agricultural practices among crop farmers in North-West, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyses the challenges of crop farmers in using climate smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) in Katsina and Sokoto states, Northwest Nigeria to target policy effort. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select three hundred (300) farming households in the study area who provided the relevant primary information for the study through a set of structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings shows that lack of access to credit (80%), lack of access to high quality breeds (79%), lack of awareness of climate smart agricultural practices (80%), high cost of labour (89%), high cost of inputs (88%), lack of demonstration/training on climate smart agricultural techniques (86%), and lack of processing technology (93%) were very serious constraints to the users of climate smart agricultural practices in North-West Nigeria. The chi-square result indicates that access to formal education, access to means of communication and extension contact were significantly associated with higher use of climate smart agricultural practices in the study area. The study therefore suggests that massive campaign be made by government, civil societies, and the media to create awareness and encourage the use of climate smart agriculture and to proffer indigenous solutions that would address the constraints being faced by the farmers. It is recommended that the extension agents should educate farmers on the benefits of climate smart agricultural practices in order to promote farmers resilience to climate change.