AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
Abstract
Climate change remains one of the greatest threats to cassava farmers, whose production systems depend heavily on rain-fed agriculture. This study described farmers' socio-economic characteristics, identified climate change adaptation strategies and their determinants, and assessed the relationship between adaptation constraints and climate resilience in the study area. A descriptive survey design was employed, and primary data was collected from 100 randomly selected respondents using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square (χ²), and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that 54.0% of the respondents were female, 54.0% were above 40 years of age, their mean age is 41 years, 76.0% were married, and about 72.0% were educated with a mean educational attainment of 46.67%. Among the adaptation strategies adopted by farmers were adjustment to planting date, mixed cropping, and improved crop management. Result of Chi-square analysis revealed no significant relationship between farmers' socio-economic characteristics and adaptation strategies (χ² = 20.543, p > 0.05) and no significant variation in the adaptation strategies adopted (χ² = 17.834, p > 0.05). However, adaptation constraints were significantly associated with climate resilience (χ² = 27.947, p < 0.05). The multiple regression model explained 62.8% of the variation in adaptation behaviour (R² = 0.628; F = 15.84; p < 0.001). Educational attainment, farming experience, extension contact, and farm size positively influenced climate change adaptation, whereas age exerted a significant negative effect. Limited access to agricultural credit, and weak extension services were among the principal constraints reducing farmers' adaptive capacity. The study concludes that promoting climate-smart agricultural technologies and strengthening extension support would enhance farmers' resilience and sustainable cassava production.