Perception on the Causes and the Impacts of Climate Change on Ecosystem Services Provided by Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott & Endl in Nigeria

Abstract

Kolanut (Cola nitida) is a tropical multipurpose agroforestry tree species in Nigeria, the species receives little attention from studies geared towards assessing the impact of climate change on the services it provides. The study investigated farmers’ views on the impacts of current changes in climatic variables on the ecosystem services the species provides in Nigeria. This study was conducted by interviewing farmers cultivating C. nitida, using the purposive sampling method and focus group discussion (FGD). Data were obtained by using structured questionnaires and interview sections. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that about 96% of respondents revealed that climatic factors such as a change in rainfall pattern, drought, and temperature influenced the survival and fruiting patterns of Cola nitida in Nigeria. The regressions showed that age, gender, marital status, education level, and household size significantly influenced farmers’ perception of climate change. The results revealed that climate change will have a significant influence on the ecosystem services (productivity, supporting, cultural and regulating) provided by this species. Rural farmers should be encouraged to domesticate this species in Nigeria as mitigating measure to climate change and maximize the ecosystem services provided by Cola nitida for improved livelihood.