AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

CLIMATE CHANGE INFORMATION NEEDS OF CROP FARMERS IN KUJE AREA COUNCIL OF FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, NIGERIA

Author:  Peter Ifeanyichukwu Nwandu, Moradeyo Adebanjo Otitoju, & Nelson Lotachukwu Ozoemena

Abstract
The crop farmers’ ability to effectively respond to climate change challenges is determined by the quality of information available to them and how easily the information is accessed. The study assessed the information needs of crop farmers on climate change in Kuje Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Questionnaire and/or interview schedule was used to collect data from 200 crop farmers who were selected using multistage sampling technique but I67 were used for the analysis. Percentages, mean scores, standard deviations were used for data analysis. The major areas of information need of the crop farmers on adaptation were use of improved varieties, occupational diversification, use of weed tolerant varieties, change in timing of farm operations and use of herbicides and pesticides. However, the findings indicate that the following were the major constraints to effective communication of climate change: poor communication linkage among scientists, extension agents and farmers, lack of proper enlightenment, lack of participatory approach to communication, poor use of local dialect in translation and communication of climate change information to crop farmers, lack of communication facilities etc. use of other strategies like use of local and religious leaders to disseminate climate change information, use of local languages (dialect) and folks, use of audio visual aids and provision of timely information, training of communicators of climate change information, strengthening agricultural extension delivery system, provision of communication facilities by government to climate change communicators, and use of service providers to disseminate climate change information through short message service. The study recommends that there is need for mobilization of extension agents for massive enlightenment campaign on agriculture related climate change issues especially on the various communities’ market days and through social and religious organizations; also there is need to teach climate change adaptation and mitigation measures to crop farmers using the language the farmers can understand in a participatory manner.