Abstract:
Despite the fact that the majority of Africans are employed in agriculture, providing food to
meet the demand of the entire population continue to be a challenge, especially with the
changing climate. This study examined the determinants of farmers’ perception of climate
change and the effect of their perception on adaptation. This involved 644 maize and sorghum
farmers, selected from Benin and Nigeria using multi-stage sampling. The data was analysed
using Heckman ordered probit model. Farmers perception of climate change was high. From
the empirical model, include education, years of farming, access to extension service and
country of the farmer were significant in influencing the farmers’ perception of climate change.
Farmer perception was found to have a positive significant effect (with a p-value= 0.001) on
the farmers’ adaptation which suggested that farmers who predict all three climate variables
correctly adopted more climate change adaptation strategies. Adaptation was also found to be
higher for higher for male farmers, less educated farmers, farmers with less household
members, experienced farmers, farmers with off-farm activities and farmers who had access to
credit. To enhance adaptation of the farmers therefore, factors that influence the farmers’
perception of climate have to be given a prime consideration. Policy makers keen on enhancing
farmers’ adaptation should consider providing climate related extension and education services
to farmers.
