AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PERCEPTION OF LOCAL FARMERS ON THE EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to assessing of the perception of local farmers on climate change in Egor Local government of Edo state the study would be delimited to local farmers in Egor Local Government. To achieve the purpose intended for the study, four research questions were raised to guide the study. The questions raised and examined include: What level of knowledge do local farmers have about climate change in Egor Local Government Area, What is their perception about the effects of climate change in Egor   Local Government Area, What are the coping strategies adopted by local farmers in Egor Local   Government Area, What actions can government take to alleviate the problems of climate change in Egor Local Government Area. One hundred and twenty (120) respondents were selected within the area of the study, which represent six communities in Egor government. The reliability index of the instrument was 0.76 using the Person product-moment statistical formula from data from the pilot study carried out on it. The data collected were analysed using frequency count, simple percentage, and mean score standard.

The findings revealed significant differences in knowledge and awareness levels among farmers with varying degrees of education regarding climate change. Notably, farmers were unaware of the specific impacts of climate change on their region. This lack of awareness highlights the need for targeted education and outreach programs to inform farmers about the specific challenges they face. Despite this lack of awareness, farmers recognized the influence of climate change on their farming practices and acknowledged the connection between human activities and climate change effects. This suggests that farmers are aware of the broader implications of climate change and are willing to take action to mitigate its impacts. By building on this foundation, education and outreach programs can empower farmers to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their vulnerability to climate change.