DETERMINANT OF ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AMONG SMALL HOLDER FARMERS IN IBARAPA EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE, NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the determinants of adaptation strategies to climate change effects among smallholder farmers in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. The objectives include describing the socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder crop farmers in the study area, farmers’ perception to climate change, identifying farmers’ adaptation strategies/measures to climate change effects, estimating factors affecting choice of adaptation strategies, investigating the barriers and constraints to adopting adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in the study area. The research was conducted using a multistage random sampling procedure, involving 114 smallholder farmers selected from the study area. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically Multivariate Probit Regression analysis. The findings revealed that the majority of farmers in the area are male (64.91%) and aged between 51–60 years (35.09%). Most are married (73.68%), which supports larger household sizes and labor availability. Educational attainment among respondents is moderate, with 28.07% having secondary education and only 1.75% holding postgraduate qualifications. Farm sizes are small, with 89.47% of respondents cultivating 5 hectares or less. Approximately 80% of the farmers rely on farming as their primary livelihood, while 66.67% are members of agricultural associations, facilitating access to resources and support. Notably, 87.72% of the farmers have access to credit, which is essential for financing adaptation strategies. All farmers reported awareness of climate change and have adopted various coping strategies. However, only 42.11% are affiliated with formal organizations providing support for climate adaptation. Farmers perceived significant changes in climate variables, particularly increased temperatures and reduced rainfall, with 40.35% of respondents identifying decreased rainfall as a critical challenge. The study also found that changes in rainfall patterns (52.63%) and abrupt shifts in growing seasons (47.37%) are perceived as the most severe impacts of climate change on agriculture, necessitating various adaptation measures. The study concludes that while smallholder farmers are aware of climate change and employ coping strategies, socio-economic factors, such as gender, age, education, farm size, and access to resources, critically influence the effectiveness of these adaptations. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance farmers’ resilience, including improved access to credit, education on climate adaptation, and the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices. The study therefore recommends implementing educational programs for farmers, facilitating better access to financial resources, encouraging membership in agricultural associations, and promoting the adoption of climate-resilient farming techniques to mitigate the effects of climate change on smallholder agriculture in the region.