Perceived Effects of Climate Variability on Food Crop Agriculture in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria

This study examined the perceived effects of climate variability on food crop agriculture in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State. It adopted the survey research design. The local government area was first stratified into nine (9) based on existing towns in the area; after which four (4) villages were randomly selected from each town using the geographic cardinal points. On the basis of this stratification, 180 copies of a questionnaire were administered in the area. The simple percentage analysis was adopted for data analysis. Results showed that 78% of the respondents observed that there are changes in patterns of weather/climate variables such as rainfall and temperature: While rainfall is decreasing, the temperature is increasing. Also, the majority of farmers (83%) said that planting periods have changed due to shifting in the onset of rain. This climate variability is adversely affecting yield of food crops, and has been attributed to man’s activities by 45% of the farmers interviewed; 23% believed that the god’s are angry. To improve crop yields, 38% of respondents said that they have increased their farm sizes; 12% are using fertilizers; and 25% are appeasing the gods etc. This implies that many farmers are yet to understand what is happening to weather/climate. Therefore, the study recommends that the farmers should be made to be aware of the changing patterns of weather/climate. Seeds and seedlings that suit the changes should be introduced and the farmers re-orientated to adapt to the situation.