Perceived Effects of Climate Variability on the Rice Farmers in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed the perceived effects of climate variability on the rice farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. Two stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of 248 rice farmers. The data was collected with the use of a questionnaire. The findings revealed that rice farmers in the Niger State were mostly male 75.4% and their average age was 39.5 years. About 98% of the rice farmers had moderate usage levels of climate adaption strategies. The most severe perceived effect of climate variability was instability of planting calendar (M.S=2.78). The highest ranked constraint limiting the usage of climate adaptation strategies was financial constraints (M.S=3.72). This study thus recommended the provision of accurate and prompt information on weather forecasts and also there should be provision of financial incentives to the farmers.