IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD OF RURAL DWELLERS IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

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1 IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD OF RURAL DWELLERS IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA ABSTRACT Ifeanyi-obi 1, C. C. and Asiabaka 2, C. C. 1 Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt. 2 Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Corresponding author s obiclara@yahoo.co.uk or clara.ifeanyi-obi@uniport.edu.ng Mobile Phone No: , The study assessed the impacts of climate change on sustainable livelihoods of rural dwellers in southeast Nigeria. One hundred and sixty respondents were selected for the study using multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected with the aid of structured interview schedule and questionnaire, and analysed using descriptive statistics. Result of the analyses of data obtained shows that majority of the rural dwellers were male (56.90%), married (95%) and farmers (82.50%). The respondents have mean age of 54 years, household size of 7 persons, farming experience of 23 years and monthly income of N21,000.00, while about 60% had at least primary education. Both consumption and sale (68.80%) were found to be major aim of production. Cassava, yam and maize were the major crops cultivated while sheep and poultry were the major animals reared. Of the thirty variables used to assess climate change impact on sustainable livelihood of rural dwellers in the study area, they strongly agree that eight were evident in their environment namely; onset of rain is now delayed (mean = 3.04), increase in earth s surface temperature (mean = 3.23), unusual rainfall (mean = 3.39), general undefined weather ( 3.26), planting time of crops is now unpredictable (mean = 3.01), increase heat stress on crops (mean = 3.04), increase heat stress on livestock (mean = 3.04) and reduction in length and quality of milk in lactating animals (mean = 3.30). Based on the result of the study, it was recommended that weather forecast technologies and improved/disease resistant species of animals should be made available to farmers to help them adapt to the impact of climate change. Keywords: Climate change, impact, sustainable livelihood, rural dwellers, Southeast Nigeria INTRODUCTION Climate change has risen as one of the most outstanding challenges militating against the millennium goal of food security in Nigeria. It has been described by authors in different ways according to their understanding and perception of the phenomenon. According to IPCC (2007), climate change is defined as statistically significant variations that persist for an extended period typically decades or longer. Ozor (2009) defined climate change as change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity and is widely recognized as the most serious environmental threat facing our planet today. On the other hand, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) defines climate change as a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity, that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods. Climate change therefore can be precisely defined as all changes in climate due to human activities or natural events. IPCC (2007) concluded that Africa is one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change owing to multiple stresses and low adaptive capacity. The 2006 census put Nigeria s total population at 140,003,542 (NPC, 2006) with rural dwellers forming over 50 percent of the total population and the major sustainable livelihood activities carried out by this populace are agriculture-related (Akpabio, 2005). This fact was ascertained by some authors who identified agriculture as the major sustainable livelihood activity of the rural people (Asiabaka, 2002; Ekong, 2010 and Mgbada 2010;). This fact is supported by the findings of Ozor, et.al., (2010) which indicated that about 71 percent of households in Southern Nigeria have farming as their major occupation. In Nigeria just as in many African countries, climate is an important resource to agricultural production as farmers still depend on rain fed agriculture. Unfortunately, the climate is no longer what it is used to be. Farmers have encountered losses following the signals of weather in their agricultural activity. Also the low infrastructural capacity of the farmers contributes to their high dependency on rain fed agriculture. Studies have indicated that the effects of this climate change on African agriculture are mainly negative (Pearce et al., 1996; McCarthy et al., 2001; Onyeneke, 2010). This is confirmed by the results of several research works that have identified the effects of climate change. (IPCC 2001; ERM 2002; Richards 2003, NEST 2004, Anyanwu 2008; Eboh 2009; Anyadike 2009; Okhimamhe 2009; Ozor 2009; Issa 2009; FAO 2009; Deressa & Hassan 2009; Ifeanyi-obi 2011; Ifeanyi-obi 2012; Ifeanyi-obi 2012b; Ifeanyi-obi 2013; Ifeanyi-obi 2013b). The South eastern region of Nigeria comprises of five states namely, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi States (Figure 1). It is located within latitudes N and N, and longitudes E and 8 NJAFE VOL. 10 No. 3,

2 27 10 E in the tropical rain forest zone of Nigeria, with mean maximum temperature of 27oC, and total annual rainfall exceeding 2500mm (Ezemonye and Emeribe, 2012). The major sustainable livelihood of the inhabitants in the region is largely farming (Ozor et.al. 2009; Ekong 2010) which is still mainly rain fed agriculture and as such vulnerable to the effects of climate change. In the same vein, Ifeanyi-obi (2013) not only identified farming to be the major livelihood of rural dwellers in southeast Nigeria, crop and livestock production was further identified to be the major farming activities. This paper therefore assesses the effects of climate change on sustainable livelihoods (which is basically crop and livestock production) of rural dwellers in southeast Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and sixty farmers were selected for this study using Multi-stage sampling technique which was done in three stages. In the stage one, two states were randomly selected from the five states that make up the Southeast zone. The second stage comprises of the random selection of two agricultural zones each from the selected state and lastly two circles were selected from each selected agricultural zone which gave rise to eight circles for the study. Twenty respondents were randomly selected from each circle. Data was collected with the aid of structured interview schedule and questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics namely; mean, frequency count and percentages. Climate change effects were captured using a 36- item statements rated on a four-point likert type scale with values of strongly agree = 4; agree = 3; disagree = 2; strongly disagree = 1. A midpoint of 2.50 was obtained and based on this, decision rule was that any mean score greater than or equal to 2.50 implies agreement with the climate change effect, and any mean score less than 2.50 implies disagreement with the effect. The climate change effect were dichotomized into agree and disagree. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Socio-economic characteristics The result in Table 1 shows that 56.90% of the farmers were male. About 56.30% of the farmers fall between the ages of 41 and 60 with the mean age as 54years. This is a clear indication that the farmers were old enough to give reasonable responses on climate change issues experienced over the years. Majority (95%) of the farmers were married while more than 60% had at least secondary school education. This could imply that the farmers were literate enough to adopt adaptation measures brought to them by extension agents as well as other agencies involve in climate change issues. Also, it was shown that majority (88.80%) of the farmers earn less than 50, per month. This is an indication that most of the farmers still operate on subsistence level. Results also revealed that majority (84.40%) of the farmers have at least 10 years farming experience. This shows that the farmers used for the study have stayed long enough in farming enterprise and as such have acquired wealth of knowledge over the time both on farming matters and climate change adaptation measures. The household size had a mean of 7 with about 66.30% having a household size of between 6 to 10 persons. This shows that the farmers in the zone maintain a fairly large family size and could be a boost to farm labour during planting season. Also majority (70.60%) of the farmers have farm size of less than one hectare still buttressing the fact that the farmers are majorly operate at subsistence level. Mixed farming (71.20%) was found to be the major type of farming activity done by the farmers while 68.80% have both consumption and sale as their major aim of production. Animals reared and crops cultivated by the farmers. Results in Table 2 shows that cassava, yam and maize are the major crops cultivated in the study area with a mean value of 2.8, 2.6 and 2.5 respectively). Nweke (1996) stated that cassava is not only a major staple food but also a major source of farm income for the Nigerian farmers. Also its peculiar characteristics of having varieties of end products namely; fufu, garri, tapioca, starch, animal feed cassava flour etc makes it a cherished crop among farmers in the study area. As regards climatic changes, compared to other crops, cassava is the most resistant crop to extreme weather events. Adebayo (2006) noted that its high resilience and adaptability to a wide range of ecological conditions has sustained its production through many generations in sub-saharan Africa since it was introduced into the region in 16 th century. Also, yam is known to be a respected staple food in the south east Nigeria where there is generally an annual celebration in honour of the crop in most part of the zone. As regards the animals reared sheep and poultry was shown to be the most important livestock reared in the area with same mean of 2.8 each. NJAFE VOL. 10 No. 3,

3 Table 1: Socio-economic characteristics of farmers in south east Nigeria Variable Frequency Percentage Mean Gender Male Female Age Above Marital status Single 8 5 Married No. of years spent in school (Years) 10 0 (No formal education) Above Monthly income (N) 21,000 < 50, , , , , Farming experience (years) Above Household size Major occupation Farming Non-farming Farm size (Hectare) 2.5 < Above Major farming activity Livestock production Crop production Mixed farming Major aim of production Sale Consumption Both Effects of climate change on sustainable livelihoods (crop and livestock production) of rural dwellers in southeast Nigeria Table 4 shows the result of climate change effects on sustainable livelihoods of rural dwellers in southeast Nigeria. Of the thirty variables used to assess climate change effects, rural dwellers in the study area strongly agree that eight are evident in the environment namely; onset of rain is now delayed (mean = 3.04), increase in earth s surface temperature (mean = 3.23), unusual rainfall (mean = 3.39), general undefined weather (3.26), planting time of crops is now unpredictable (mean = 3.01), increase heat stress on crops (mean = 3.04), increase heat stress on livestock (mean = 3.04) and reduction in length and quality of milk in lactating animals (mean = 3.30). Ifeanyi-obi et al. (2011) similarly identified extreme weather condition as the most severe effect of climate change on inhabitants of Rivers State. This may not be surprising as it is glaring in the recent climate conditions. Weather events are seen to occur in very extreme ways. NJAFE VOL. 10 No. 3,

4 Table 2: Animals reared and crops cultivated by farmers in southeast Nigeria Variable Highly cultivated Moderately cultivated Not cultivated Mean Crops Cassava 135(84.4) 19(11.9) 6(3.8) 2.8 Yam 116(72.2) 30(18.8) 14(8.8) 2.6 Maize 99(61.1) 43(26.6) 18(11.6) 2.5 Cocoyam 47(29.4) 49(26.6) 63(39.7) 1.9 Rice 11(6.9) 10(6.6) 139(86.8) 1.2 Cashew 9(5.6) 20(9.7) 131(85.0) 1.2 Plantain/Banana 62(41.9) 52(32.2) 46(25.3) 2.1 Cocoa 9(5.6) 11(6.9) 140(87.5) 1.2 Vegetables 73(45.0) 48(29.7) 39(24.7) 2.2 Cowpeas 10(5.9) 48(17.8) 102(76.3) 1.9 Animals Highly reared Moderately reared Not reared Mean Sheep 18(11.3) 16(10.00) 126(78.7) 2.2 Goat 56(35.0) 28(17.5) 76(47.5) 2.8 Poultry 64(40.0) 23(14.4) 73(45.6) 2.8 Fish 9(5.9) 18(11.2) 133(83.1) 1.4 Cattle 5(3.1) 5(3.1) 150(93.8) 1.0 Rabbit 2(1.2) 14(8.8) 144(89.9) 1.2 Pig 6(3.8) 11(6.9) 143(89.3) 1.1 They also agreed that prolonged season of drought (mean = 2.68), increases frequency and intensity of drought (mean = 2.64), fast evaporation (mean = 2.89), unusual flooding (mean = 2.86), significant reduction of crop yields (mean = 2.84), stunted growth of crop (mean = 2.62), ineffectiveness of agricultural chemicals (mean = 2.69), increase in poverty rate of farmers (mean = 2.94), increases in incidence of destructive windstorms ( mean = 2.86), increase in general cost of crop production ( mean = 2.94), increase in loss of availability agriculture land due to erosion (mean = 2.75), increase in cost of land due to loss of available land to extreme weather events (mean =2.85), general reduction in family income (mean = 2.82), soil fertility has been reduced (mean = 2.99), increase in weed infestation ( mean = 2.75), reduced productivity of livestock (mean = 2.92), increase pest and diseases incidence in livestock (mean = 2.78), reduced quality of meat from livestock (mean = 2.58), increased mortality rate of livestock (mean = 2.79), reduction in fertility rate of livestock (mean = 2.65), reduced livestock feed-grain availability (mean = 2.82), non availability of pasture for livestock (mean = 2.71), poor quality of available pasture for livestock (mean = 2.88) and reduction in number and size of eggs laid by poultry birds (mean = 2.78). Globally, climate change has exerted significant negative effects on agricultural production. Sungno and Mendelson (2007) identified reduction in net farm income and number of livestock as one of the major impacts of climate change on agricultural production in Africa. Similarly, Knox (2011) identified significant decrease in crop productivity as a major impact of climate change on food crop productivity in Africa and Southeast Asia. Results of this study show that Nigeria is no exception to this numerous adverse effects of climate change on agricultural productivity. General increase in family income (mean = 2.12), reduction in cost of crop production (mean = 2.15), increased productivity of livestock generally (mean = 2.12) and significant increase in crop yield (mean = 2.36) were not accepted as possible effects of climate change on crop and livestock production. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION The result of this study shows that out of the thirty-six statements used to capture the impacts of climate change on rural dwellers, the inhabitants agreed that thirty-two variables are already evident in their environs. Based on the results, it was recommended that weather forecast technologies should be put in place for the farmers through the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP). This will help farmers to better prepare for the consequences of variation in climate devise adaptation strategies. Also, improved and disease resistance varieties of crops and livestock should be made readily available to help them combat disease infestation outburst caused by this change in climate. NJAFE VOL. 10 No. 3,

5 Table 4: Distribution of respondents by effects of climate change on sustainable livelihoods S/N Statement Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Mean Remark 1 Onset of rainfall is now delayed 67(41.9) 50(31.2) 26(16.2) 17(10.6) 3.04 Agree 2 Increase in earth surface 67(41.9) 69(43.1) 18(11.2) 6(3.8) 3.23 Agree temperature 3 Unusual rainfall 83(51.9) 61(38.1) 11(6.9) 5(3.1) 3.39 Agree 4 Fast evaporation 42(26.2) 72(45.0) 33(20.6) 13(8.1) 2.89 Agree 5 General undefined weather 61(38.1) 82(51.2) 14(8.8) 3(1.9) 3.26 Agree 6 Prolonged season of drought 36(22.5) 57(35.6) 47(29.4) 20(12.5) 2.68 Agree 7 Increases frequency and intensity 35(21.9) 56(35.0) 45(28.1) 24(15.0) 2.64 Agree of flood 8 Unusual flooding now occurs 44(27.5) 58(36.2) 49(30.6) 9(5.6) 2.86 Agree 9 Crop yield have reduced 49(30.6) 50(31.2) 48(30.0) 13(8.1) 2.84 Agree significantly 10 Crop yield have increased 17(10.6) 49(30.6) 69(43.1) 25(15.6) 2.36 Disagree significantly 11 Stunted growth of crop 26(16.2) 60(37.5) 61(38.1) 13(8.1) 2.62 Agree 12 Planting time of crops is now unpredictable 52(32.5) 64(40.0) 37(23.1) 7(4.4) 3.01 Agree 13 Ineffectiveness of agricultural 29(18.1) 65(40.6) 53(33.1) 13(8.1) 2.69 Agree chemicals due to climate variability 14 Increases heat stress on crops 48(30.0) 77(48.1) 29(18.1) 6(3.8) 3.04 Agree 15 Increases poverty rate of farmers 47(29.4) 67(41.9) 35(21.9) 11(6.9) 2.94 Agree 16 Increases incidence of destructive 30(18.8) 88(55.0) 31(19.4) 11(6.9) 2.86 Agree windstorms 17 Increases cost of crop production 40(25.0) 79(49.4) 33(20.6) 8(5.0) 2.94 Agree 18 Reduces cost of production 9(5.6) 42(26.2) 73(45.6) 36(22.5) 2.15 Disagree generally 19 Increases loss of agric land due to 41(25.6) 56(35.0) 45(28.1) 18(11.2) 2.75 Agree erosion 20 Increases cost of agric land due to loss of available land to extreme weather events 33(20.6) 83(51.9) 31(19.4) 13(8.1) 2.85 Agree 21 General reduction in family 42(26.2) 64(40.0) 38(23.8) 16(10.0) 2.82 Agree income 22 General increase in family 15(9.4) 30(18.8) 75(46.9) 40(25.0) 2.12 Disagree income 23 Soil fertility has been reduced 49(30.6) 68(42.5) 36(22.5) 7(4.4) 2.99 Agree generally 24 Increases weed infestation of crops 32(20.0) 75(46.9) 34(21.2) 19(11.9) 2.75 Agree 25 Reduced productivity of 54(33.4) 54(33.8) 38(23.8) 14(8.8) 2.92 Agree livestock generally 26 Increased productivity of 21(13.1) 32(20.0) 63(39.4) 44(27.5) 2.19 Disagree livestock generally 27 Increase heat stress on livestock 52(32.5) 71(44.4) 28(17.5) 9(5.6) 3.04 Agree 28 Increase pest and diseases 36(22.5) 63(39.4) 50(31.2) 11(6.9) 2.78 Agree incidence in livestock 29 Reduction in the quality of meat 33(20.6) 48(30.0) 57(35.6) 22(13.8) 2.58 Agree from livestock 30 Increase in mortality rate of 37(23.1) 63(39.4) 50(31.2) 10(6.2) 2.79 Agree livestock 31 Reduction in fertility rate of livestock 23(14.4) 70(43.8) 55(34.4) 12(7.5) 2.65 Agree 32 Reduced livestock feed-grain 26(16.2) 87(54.4) 39(24.4) 8(5.0) 2.82 Agree availability 33 Non-availability of pasture for 33(20.6) 59(36.9) 57(35.6) 11(6.0) 2.71 Agree livestock 34 Poor quality of available pasture 42(26.2) 65(42.5) 38(23.8) 12(7.5) 2.88 Agree 35 Reduction in size and number of 32(20.0) 74(46.2) 41(25.6) 13(8.1) 2.78 Agree eggs laid by poultry birds 36 Reduction in the quantity and quality of milk production in lactating animals 28(17.5) 71(44.4) 47(29.4) ) 3.30 Agree NJAFE VOL. 10 No. 3,

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