AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

GENDER PARTICIPATION IN CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION BY CASSAVA FARMERS IN UYO AGRICULTURAL ZONE, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Nkeme, kesit kufre., Bassey, Nora Emmanuel and Okorie, Nelson Udo

Abstract
The study examined gender participation in climate change adaptation by arable crop farmers using data collected from 120 cassava farmers using multi-stage random sampling technique in Uyo Agricultural zone, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Findings revealed a mean household size, farming experience, educational attainment and age of the respondents were 6 persons, 9 years, 6 years and 39 years, respectively. Findings also showed a significant difference in gender participation for bush clearing, (z =3.05 at p>0.00), cultivating, (6.45 at p> 0.00), planting, (2.52 at p> 0.05), weeding. (2.08 at p>0.05), harvesting, (8.36 p>0.00) and crop processing, (2.44at p>0.05). Significant differences in climate variability was equally noticed (X2 = 6.235, p>0.04), flood more frequent, (X2 = 14.208, p>0.00) drought more frequent, (X2 = 14.208, p>0.00), and drought more severe, (X2 = 4.814, p>0.02). Among the effects of climate change reported in the study area were changes in planting time and season, (X=3.09), poor and unpredicted yield, (X=3.64), death of crops/ livestock due to drought, (X=3.60), increase incidence of pest and disease, (X=3.49), frequent outbreak of disease like cholera, malaria, typhoid etc., (X=3.45), drying up of local streams, (X=3.40), and increased erosion leading to soil and land degradation, (X=3.37). Result has also shown that of the 23 adaptation practices identified in the study area, 18 were highly practiced. Among the constraints reported in the study area were inadequate funding, (X =3.43), scarcity of farmland, (X =3.43), increase incidence of pest and disease, (X =3.21), high cost of inputs, (X =3.15), lack of storage facilities, (X =3.11), labour shortage, (X =3.03), poor extension contact, (X =2.99), lack of processing facilities, (X =2.89) and poor processing of products, (X =2.83). Based on the findings, the number one constraint is lack of funding and sourcing for funds. This is more prevalent and difficult with female than men in our culture. Equally, the first and most important strategy is frequent weeding of farms which is a prerogative of the female folks. The study recommends the special integration projects for female gender in climate change programmes. This is because any climate change project that takes a holistic gender approach will most at times favour the males to the detriment of the most vulnerable gender because of our culture, traditions and even religion that sees the females as second class citizens.