Assessment of challenges faced by non-timber forest products (NTFPs) dependents’ communities in a changing climate: a case of adaptation measures Inohafia LGA, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Climate change has become a major obstacle to most forest resources which had aimed to reduce poverty and enhance sustainable economy globally and Nigeria in particular. This study assessed challenges of NTFPs dependents’ communities of Ohafia in a changing climate. Simple random technique was used to select 9 villages out of the 26 villages in Ohafia L.G.A. A total of 216households were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that majority of the respondents 88%carried out their farming activities based on the pattern of rainfall; while 88% of the respondents asserted that they avoided the application of chemicals and inorganic fertilizers on their farmlands.77.8% prayed to God to revert climate change and 77.3% diversified the planting of agricultural crops. Whereas 38.9% encouraged the use of compost fertility, 26.4% reduced bush burning, 40.7% embarked on rain water harvesting, and 47.2% mulched around crops to avoid transpiration due to excessive sunshine while 42.1% planted trees around their compounds to cope with CO₂ emissions. This study will guide stakeholders to make informed decisions by policy advocacy and public awareness creation and collaborate with government and donor agencies, for sustainable adaptation practices, policy initiatives. Collaborative efforts of their government and that of some developed countries are necessary in the adaptation to climate change in their communities.

Keywords: Adaptation, Climate change, NTFPs, Ohafia and Rural dwellers