Determinants of rural farmers’ access to climate change adaptation information in Asa Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Climate change threatens global agriculture, disrupting practices and food security by altering growing seasons. These impacts therefore necessitate an understanding of the determinants influencing rural farmers' access to vital climate change adaptation information in Asa Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. The study employed a multistage sampling method to select 180 respondents from 18 communities across 9 wards. Data were collected through questionnaire and interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Key findings revealed that 34.4% of the respondents were aged 41-50, the majority were male (66.10%), married (83.90%), and natives of their village/town (62.20%). Household sizes mostly ranged from 1-5 (34.40%) to 6-10 (51.70%) members. Educationally, 25.60% had no formal education, while 34.40% had secondary education. The primary occupation for 72.20% was farming, followed by civil service (9.40%) and trading (12.80%). Radio was the main channel for climate change adaptation information, supplemented by extension agents, indigenous knowledge, fellow farmers, and television. Access frequency to climate change adaptation information varied, with 49% accessing information 4-5 times/year. Notably, 96% were unaware of government programmes on climate change adaptation, and 71.17% never attended related workshops. Most farmers (93%) faced no challenges in accessing and comprehending the information. Adaptation strategies included multi-crop agriculture, drought-tolerant crops, mulching, Fadama farming, and mixed cropping. Satisfaction with communication channels was moderate for 64.37% of respondents, while 97% had a proper understanding of climate change information. Only 7% reported challenges in accessing or understanding the information. The study concludes that socio-economic factors such as education, primary occupation, and gender significantly impact farmers' ability to access and engage with climate change adaptation information, with radio being the primary dissemination channel.