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Main Article Content
Effect of climate variability on output of cassava in Abia State, Nigeria
Abstract
The effect of climate variability and change on cassava farmers‘ output in Abia State, Nigeria from 1980 - 2011 was analyzed and studied in 2012. A multistage random sampling technique was used in the selection of agricultural blocks, circles and cassava farmers. A structured questionnaire was administered to 120 randomly selected cassava farmers. Data was analyzed with multiple regression analysis and descriptive statistics. Data for annual yield of cassava for all the time period were obtained from National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Services Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. Data on the three important climate variables required for cassava growth- temperature, rainfall and relative humidity were obtained from National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike meteorological station. A Cobb-Douglas regression analysis result showed that the coefficients for farm size, quantity of fertilizer, labour cost and rain were determinants of cassava production in the study area. The study identified Problems of non access of farmers to meteorological data, irregular training of farmers on climate change pestilence and inefficient extension system as major problems affecting farmers to coping with climate change effects. Policies aimed at organizing regular trainings on climate change variability, accessibility of farmers to meteorological data and provision of rural infrastructure to curb rural-urban migration by the youths will help provide cheap labour were advocated for increased cassava production.
Keywords: Effect, Climate Change, Variability, Cassava Farmers, Output
