The role of indigenous knowledge on climate change adaptation in agriculture in Sabo gari local government area, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Africa is one of the most prone continents to climate change impacts because of its dependence on climate sensitive sectors including rain-fed agriculture. Recent studies predicted that global agricultural share to GDP could shrink by 4 percent due to climate change by 2100. Hence, the study examined the role of indigenous knowledge on climate change adaptation in agriculture in Sabo Gari LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria where little documentation has been done. Using a cross-sectional design, five villages were purposively selected whereby 30 households were randomly selected from each village making 150 respondents in total. Household surveys and key informant interviews were used in data collection. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Quantitative data were analysed through a Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were done whilst, qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The study showed a high level of climate change awareness among the farmers. Negative effects of climate change include drought, irregular rains, crop pests and diseases. Indigenous adaptation strategies used in the study area include crop rotation, application of farmyard manure, irrigation, mixed cropping, wood ash application and intercropping whereby, application of farmyard manure ranked highest strategy for climate adaptation but mainly for poor households. Farmers also have the ability to use their indigenous knowledge to predict weather conditions. Marital status significantly enhanced the use of FYM while age of the farmer significantly constrained the use of farmyard manure. In conclusion, indigenous practises are very effective in adapting to climate change and still being practised by farmers in the study area in improving their agricultural productivity. Therefore, it is recommended that research institutions and policy makers, should promote the use of indigenous adaptation strategies.