Determinants of Farmers’ perception and adaptation to climate change: The case of maize and sorghum farmers in Benin and Nigeria

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.