PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN IGBO-ETITI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Climate change has been adduced to negatively affect agricultural productivity in agrarian communities. This study examined the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity in agrarian communities of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Data were collected through the use of mixed and complementary methods such as observation, questionnaire survey and key informant interviews. The data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results reveal that majority (54.4%) of the respondents were female with farming the primary source of livelihood for majority (56.5%).  Majority (59.1%) of the farmers were aged between 35 and 54 years, and majority (53%) had more than years farming experience. The results also revealed climate change as the major factor affecting agricultural productivity in the study area. The findings show that farmers in the study were highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change largely because they depend on rain-fed agriculture. Agricultural productivity was found to have decreased due to the influence of climate change as manifested in rainfall decline, delayed onset of rain, increased temperature, dryness of soil and prolonged dry season. However, the reduced agricultural productivity had led to farmers engaging in other secondary occupation such as trading. Farmers empowerment through loans and grants, Climate Smart Agriculture, subsidies in the areas of improved climate change-resistant plants, among others were recommended to improve agricultural productivity, food security and cushion the effects of climate change, thereby enhancing resilience.