EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE IN JERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT This study assesses the effect of climate change on agricultural practices in Jere Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria. The primary objectives were to examine the effects of climate change on crop and livestock production, assess farmers' perceptions and adaptation strategies, and evaluate institutional support mechanisms. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data from 200 smallholder farmers across five farming communities using structured questionnaires and interviews. Findings revealed that 85% of farmers reported significant negative impacts of climate change on their agricultural activities. The most severe effects included poor crop yield (70%), drought (60%), and late planting or harvesting (50%). While 70% of farmers had adopted adaptation strategies—primarily adjusting planting dates (40%) and using drought-resistant seeds (25%)—their effectiveness was limited by financial constraints (40%) and lack of technical knowledge (30%). Crucially, 55% of respondents reported receiving no government support, and 70% considered existing interventions inadequate. The study concludes that climate change poses a substantial threat to agricultural sustainability and food security in Jere LGA. It recommends strengthening extension services, improving access to climate-smart agricultural technologies, and enhancing institutional support to build farmers' resilience to climate variability.