DETERMINANTS OF ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN KAJOLA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the determinants of adaptation strategies to climate change effects among smallholder farmers in Kajola Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. The objectives include describing the socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder crop farmers in the study area, describing the 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 and investigating the barriers and constraints to adopting adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers. The research was conducted using a multistage random sampling procedure, involving 120 smallholder farmers selected from the study area. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Multivariate Probit Regression analysis). The findings revealed that the majority of farmers in the area are male (66.67%) and aged between 51-60 years (30%). Most are married (73.33%), which supports larger household sizes and labor availability. Educational attainment among respondents is moderate, with 23.33% having secondary education and only 3.33% holding postgraduate qualifications. Farm sizes are small, with 76.67% of respondents cultivating 5 hectares or less. Majority 80% of the farmers rely on farming as their primary occupation, while 60% are members of farmers’ associations, facilitating access to resources and support. Mostly, 86.67% of the farmers have access to credit, which is important in funding the adaptation strategies. Farmers reported the barriers to adaptation strategies due to perceived changes in climate. All farmers lack government support, there are lack of technical knowledge and skill (90%), there are 86.67% lack information about climate change, 60% inadequate infrastructure, insecure property right (53.33) and farmers mostly believe in cultural and traditional information (73.33%) which is a barrier in adopting adaptation strategies. 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 study area.