Climate Change, Its Implications for Agriculture and Rural Development in Nigeria

Abstract

This study identified the indicators of climate change both anthropogenic and natural variability which affect agriculture and rural development in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was used in sourcing information from sixty farmers. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics. The following indicators of climate change affected agricultural and rural development; early on set of rainfall and early ceasation, early on set of rainfall and late ceasation, late on set of rainfall and late ceasation, late on set of rainfall and early cessation, above normal rainfall, below normal rainfall, longer than normal rainfall, shorter than normal rainfall, high intensity rainfall, irratic/torrential rainfall, flash flooding, rainstorms, coastal flooding, gustiness, erosion/flooding, rivers and streams overflowing their banks, unusual patterns of precipitation, high sunshine intensity, early on set and early ceasation of harmattan, late on set and early ceasation of harmattan, irratic wind, high speed wind, frequency of clement weather, constant draught, rising temperature, high humidity, presence and incidence of unfamiliar pests and diseases.