ISSN

2277 - 3282

e ISSN

2277 - 3290

Publisher

Journal of Science

PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON LAND RESOURCE USE AMONG FARMERS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
Author / Afflication
Chikaire JU

Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Tijjani AR

Department of Agricultural Economics& Extension, Federal University Dutsin-ma, Katsina State, Nigeria.
Beli AS

Department of Agricultural Economics& Extension, Federal University Dutsin-ma, Katsina State, Nigeria.
Keywords
Land resource ,Climate change ,Agriculture , Land use ,
Abstract

The study assessed perceived effects of climate change on land resource use in Rivers State. It describes the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents; respondents’ awareness of climate change; describes the effects of climate change on land resource use; identified adaptations strategies adopted to mitigate the effect of climate change. Data were collected using structured questionnaire administered to one hundred and fifty (150) respondents randomly selected from the zone III agricultural zone of Rivers State Agricultural Development Programme (RISADP). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data collected. Results showed that 58% of the respondents were females and 42% were males, 89.34% had various levels of formal education. The study showed that 46% of the respondents were very much aware of climate change. Climate change had the following effects on land resource use: increase forest fire outbreak ( =2.32), tree mortality ( =2.14), increase soil erosion ( =2.19), death of flora and fauna (2.32) among others. Adaptation strategies employed included, planting of different crop varieties, increased fertilizer application, accessed credit facilities, early harvesting and soil conservation.

Volume / Issue / Year

6 , 2 , 2016

Starting Page No / Endling Page No

128 - 133