Agroforestry farmers’ perception of climate change in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the perception of Agro forestry farmers in Ibadan,Oyo state, Nigeria to climate change (rainfall and temperature) using questionnaires and interviews. Multistage sampling technique was used to draw agroforestry farmers from the population. A total of 120 respondents were selected from eleven (11) communities in Ibadan. Data collected on perception to climate change was coded and analyzed using stata. Result showed that 84% of the Agroforestry farmers perceived a change in rainfall onset with 48% perceived late rainfall onset, 32% early rainfall onset and 4% perceived fluctuation in the onset of rainfall. For rainfall cessation, majority (78% ) of the agroforestry farmers perceived a change in rainfall cessation in the last 20 years. About 48% perceived early cessation of rainfall while 30% of them perceived late cessation. As to the duration of rainfall, 83% of the respondents perceived a change, while 8% do not perceive change and 8% do not know if there is any change. It was also revealed that education level and farming experience of the farmers as well as extension visits are significant factors affecting the farmers perception on climate change.This study shows that the agroforestry farmers in Oyo state have a good understanding of the changing climate. There is therefore need for planned adaptation strategies to enhance resilience of the farmers to climate change and variability.

Key words: Climate Change, perception, agroforestry, adaptation