Journal of Sustainable
Development Vol. 7. No. 2, September, 2010 Special Edition: Climate Change p.
2-9
INDIGENOUS AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIONS FOR CLIMATIC CHANGE
ADAPTATION IN THE FORESTRY ENTERPRISES OF SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
Institute
of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029,
Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria. Email: taofikdaud@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This study identified and documented
effective indigenous and emerging forest technologies and innovations for
climate change adaptation in Southwest Nigeria It draws data primarily at three levels, the farmers, the extension agents
and the researchers using respectively 363, 125 and 14 questionnaires from each
category of respondents. Results
of the socio economic characteristics analysis of the respondents showed that
seventy five percent (75%) of the respondents were male. Majority of the
respondents (55%-farmers, 62%-extension agents and 71% researchers) were
Christians. Also, most of the respondents practice arable farming as their
primary occupation while few (3 persons) practice forest/forestry related
activities as their primary occupation. The cross table analysis of the
farmers’ coping strategies as influenced by their location returned significantly
different coping strategies among the three main agro-ecological zones of
southwest Nigeria (contingency analysis is greater than
= 9.210). Similar
results were obtained for the cross table analysis of the farmers’ coping
strategies as influenced by both their religion and educational status.
Forestry related coping strategies according to the respondents include,
adjustment of the farming programme to withstand drought, afforestation, air
drying cocoa, bush fallowing, planting date adjustment, planting drought
tolerance species and involvement of rain makers. Forestry adaptation
strategies to climate change at individual or communal level would be effective
and sustainable, if it is initiated, coordinated and led by government.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 2, September, 2010 Special Edition: Climate
Change p. 10-14
SOCIO-ECONOMIC
FACTORS AFFECTING THE DECISION TO ADOPT AGRO-FORESTRY AMONG FARMING HOUSEHOLDS
IN THE SAHELIAN ENVIRONMENT OF BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
1SHETTIMA .B
MUSTAPHA, 2A. USMAN, AND 2Y. P. MBAYA
1Department of Agricultural Economics
and Extension, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
2Department of Forestry and Wildlife,
University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. Email: abukonduga@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The study analyses the social and economic
factors affecting the decision to adopt agro forestry by farmers in the Sahel
environment of Borno State. Interview schedules were administered to 168
respondents which were subjected to analysis using descriptive (frequency
distribution and rank order) and inferential (chi-square test) statistics. The
study revealed that among the social characteristics of the respondents, age (X2=13.264;
P ≤ 0.05) and household size(X2 = 11.344; P≤0.05) were statistically
significant. The result also, indicated that all the economic characteristics;
Farm size(X2=9.862; P≤0.05), Land Ownership(X2=7.269;
P≤0.05), Educational Level(X2=16.723; P≤0.05) and Non Farm Income(X2=
18.236;P≤0.05) of the respondents studied were statistically significant. The major constraint affecting the decision
to adopt agro forestry was livestock browsing followed by incidence of bush
fire. Policy recommendations were suggested to include the development of
programmes to aid farming households who are willing to adopt agro forestry
with increased access to credits and extension services coupled with vigorously
pursued policy regulations on the environment.
Journal of Sustainable
Development Vol. 7. No. 2, September, 2010 Special Edition: Climate Change p.
15-26
EMERGING ISSUES FROM WORLD
CLIMATIC TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR
CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN THE FARMING SYSTEMS OF SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
LARABA, L. S.
Department of Geography and Planning,
University of Jos. Email: rikkols@yahoo.com;
rikkosl@unijos.edu.ng
ABSTRACT
Trends in global climate
including scientific findings showed that climate is fast changing beyond the
predictions of the past. The uncertainties in the predictions of future climate
events are worrisome not only to scientists in developed countries but also to
developing countries that are predicted to bear the brunt of the impacts of
climate change. This study examined some emerging issues from global climatic
trends with particular attention on three agro-ecological zones in southwest
Nigeria. Data was obtained from 363 farmers through a questionnaire and 150
extension agents in the three zones. Results showed that 85% of the farmers
were predominantly crop and fish farmers with about 85% within the economically
active and productive age group. More than 94% of the farmers were aware of
climate change and have observed increases in temperature and wind. They also
noted that rainfall had declined over the years. They agreed that farming
activities in form of bush burning, deforestation and use of chemicals;
urbanization and industrial activities contribute to varying extnets to climate
change. Sixty percent of the farmers reported reduction in crop yields and low
productivity as some of the major effects suffered from climate change. Though
farmers resorted to construction of drainages, channelization, irrigation,
fadama farming and mulching as strategies to cope with the changes; poverty,
lack of awareness, illiteracy and inaccessibility to information as well as
limited access to credit facilities were perceived as major constraints that
limited their adaptation of emerging strategies and technologies from
elsewhere. Farmers should
be sensitized and included in fora on climate change issues. Their
participation in decision making would facilitate
better understanding and uptake of known climate change adaptation strategies.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 2, September, 2010 Special Edition: Climate
Change p. 27-33
EXTENSION AGENT’S
PERCEPTION OF THE USE OF MOBILE PHONES TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION TO FARMERS IN
EDO STATE, NIGERIA
BANMEKE, T. O. A.1
FAPOJUWO, O. E. 2 AND FAKOYA, E. O.1
1.
Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural
Development, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. E-mail:
tajudeenbanms@yahoo.com
2.
Department of Agricultural Administration, University
of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
The study assessed the perception of
extension agents in the Edo State ADP about the use of Global System for Mobile
(GSM) telecommunication for information dissemination to farmers. A simple
random sampling technique was used in selecting 51 extension agents from the
three zones of the Edo State Agricultural Development Programme. Data obtained
from the study were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, means,
standard deviation and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The results
revealed that 54.9% of the respondents are above 45 years of age, 72.5% are
males, 84.3% of the respondents are OND/HND holders and 58.8% of them have
between 16-20 years of work experience. Results also revealed that extension
agents consider phone calls (
= 4. 80) and SMS
messages (
=4.47) to be
appropriate to dissemination information to farmers, while issues such as
market locations (
= 4.71), market prices
(
= 4.69), fertilizer
application (
= 4.57) and improved
seedlings (
= 4.53) are
information types that GSM can be easily used for. Furthermore, respondents are
of the view that GSM facilitate information dissemination (
= 4.25) and that it
will reduce the frequency of contact with farmers (
= 4.10). There is a
positive and significant relationship between extension officers’ work
experience (r = 0.384; p<0.05) and their perception of the use of GSM. The
study then recommended that mobile phones should be incorporated into the
information dissemination machinery of extension organizations in order to tap
into the benefits inherent in its usage.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 2, September, 2010 Special Edition: Climate
Change p. 34-47
INDIGENOUS AND
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN NIGERIAN AQUACULTURE AND
FISHERIES
GEORGE F.O.A.
Department of Aquaculture & Fisheries
Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. E-mail: adebukolageorge@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This paper presents the results of a survey of technological and farming systems’ adaptation to climate
change in farming communities in the three agro-ecological zones of Southwest
Nigeria with emphasis on the swamp agro-ecological zone where fisheries and
aquaculture constitute the major occupations of the people. The study set out
to evaluate farmers’ perception of climate change and factors influencing their
perception; identify and document effective indigenous and emerging
technologies and innovations for climate change adaptation, particularly in
aquaculture and fisheries in Southwest, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were
administered to farmers in a multi-stage survey followed by focused group
discussions in the zones. Data obtained were analyzed on the Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) in addition to descriptive and other
statistical tools. Results indicate that livelihoods in the swamp ecological
zone are mainly fishing, aquaculture and crop farming; and that farmers were
well acquainted with climate change and its effects which included loss of
biodiversity, reduced productivity and loss of income. According to farmers
climate change resulted from fishing and fish farming activities (84%),
industrial activities (9%), transportation (8%), urbanization (4%) and
agro-processing (3%). Over 90 percent of respondents agreed that climate change
reduced their productivity and was responsible for increased flooding which
resulted in reduced crop yields (47%), destruction of nets, capsizing of boats
and general reduction of fishing effort (42%). Frequent windstorms also damaged
residential buildings (5%) and processing sheds (3%). Majority of farmers
adapted to climate change by channelization, adoption of alternative
livelihoods and adjustments of planting dates. Agro-ecological zone was the
major factor that influenced farmers’ perception of climate change effects.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 2, September, 2010 Special Edition: Climate
Change p. 48-53 CHALLENGES OF PARTICIPATION IN PARTICIPATORY COMMUNITY PLANNING
(PCP): A SYNTHESIS FROM THIRTEEN NIGERIAN COMMUNITIES
KOYENIKAN, M. J.
Department of Agricultural Economics and
Extension Services, University of Benin, Nigeria. E-mail: mkoyenikan@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Participation of beneficiaries in
development initiatives has become an important issue in recent times. A best
practice such as Community Driven Development (CDD) approach has evolved and is
being practiced globally. This approach adopts participatory methodologies like
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA). In
practice, many NGOs and projects/ programmes especially donor-supported ones in
Nigeria have adopted PRA in the assessment of needs of communities. This paper
is aimed at sharing experiences with scholars and practitioners on the
challenges in the facilitation of Participatory Community Planning (PCP). Areas
of pre, conduct and post exercise safeguards as well as tools refinement to
ensure PRAs achieve the desired results of inclusion, learning, ownership,
empowerment and ultimately sustainability of development are highlighted. The
challenges include poor funding, illiteracy, poor facilitation skill,
inadequate knowledge of community, elite capture, up scaling among others. Some
of the practical solutions include adequate funding and timing, capacity
building, transparency and tools refinement.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 2, September, 2010 Special Edition: Climate
Change p. 54-62
INDIGENOUS AND
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES/INNOVATIONS FOR CLIMATIC CHANGE ADAPTATION IN THE CROP
ENTERPRISES OF SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
ATUNGWU, J. J.1
AND ODEDINA. S. A.2
1.
Department of Crop Protection, University of
Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. E-mail: jojerat1@yahoo.com;
atungwujj@unaab.edu.ng
2.
Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
A survey was
conducted from April to September, 2010 to evaluate the existing and emerging
technologies and innovation for adaptation to climate change in southwest
Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered to a total of 362 farmers
selected from the three agro-ecological zones in the sub-region made up of Oyo,
Ondo and Ogun States. Findings revealed that crop farmers have idea of the
changing climate and its negative impacts on their crops. Of the 362 respondents
83%, 75%, and 45 % indicated increase in temperature, late onset and early
cessation of rainfall and violent storms, respectively as some of the evidence
of climate change in the study area. Two hundred and seventy-two respondents
representing 75% confirmed that climate change had affected their crop
production activities seriously which 6 % of them said resulted in reduction in
crop yield. Deforestation (28 %) and bush burning (12 %) were the major
activities influencing climate change in southwest Nigeria. Most of the farmers
linked climate change to the increase incidences and epidemics of pests and
diseases on their crop farms. The major adaptation technologies and innovations
identified include irrigation including fadama (23 %), afforestation (3 %), use
of drought tolerant crop varieties (1 %) and organic practices inform of
manuring, mulching and fallowing (3 %). The study identifies capacity building
that considers the attitude and knowledge of farmers in their indigenous
farming techniques will improve their capacities to adapt effectively to
impacts of climate change.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 2, September, 2010 Special Edition: Climate
Change p. 63-68
EFFECTIVENESS OF
EXTENSION DELIVERY CHANNELS FOR COMMUNICATING IMPROVED TECHNOLOGIES TO FARMERS
IN NORTHWEST NIGERIA
ISSA, F. O. AND AUTA, S. J.
National Agricultural Extension and
Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
Email: issa5868@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The focus of
this study was to determine the effectiveness of extension delivery channels
used in disseminating agricultural practices/technologies to farmers in the
Northwest Nigeria. Emphasis was placed on identification of various extension
delivery channels used by various agencies and institutions. The effectiveness
of each of the channels in imparting knowledge, skill and attitude was then
determined with data obtained using structured, pretested and validated
interview schedule. These were completed by 600 respondents selected through
multi-stage random sampling techniques in Kaduna and Kano States. Descriptive
statistical techniques like frequency counts, mean, weighted mean score and
percentages were used to analyze the data. Correlation was used to determine
the relationship between the variables investigated in the study. The study
shows positive and significant correlation between the effectiveness of
extension delivery channels and level of education (r =0.28), income (r =
0.26), and farming experience (r = 0.23). The relationship was positive but
non-significant between effectiveness of delivery channels and gender (0.17),
as well as farmers’ membership of association (r = 0.12). There is also a
negative and non-significant relationship between effectiveness of delivery
channels and age (r = -0.24), farm size (r = -0.02); and farm enterprise (r =
-0.01) respectively. Extension agents, radio and other farmers were
the most effective extension delivery channels preferred by farmers among the
different channels available to them. This paper therefore recommends the
combination of different delivery channels to disseminate extension
technologies to farmers.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 2, September, 2010 Special Edition: Climate
Change p. 69-77
SUSTAINABLE PROMOTION STRATEGIES FOR EMERGING AND INDIGENOUS
TECHNOLOGIES ON CLIMATE CHANGE IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIA
FASHOLA, O. S.1, OSUNTADE, O. B2. AND SHOBOWALE,
A. O.2
1.
Ogun State Ministry of
Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Email: sirajfashola@yahoo.com
2.
Livelihoods and
Development Centre, (SLIDEN AFRICA), Asero, Abeokuta
ABSTRACT
This study used data from a survey of 362
farmers from the three agro-ecological zones of southwest Nigeria (swamp, rainforest
and savanna) to proffer the sustainable promotion
strategies for emerging and indigenous technologies on climate change. It was found that
there has been increase in temperature, reduction in rainfall and increased in
wind intensity across the 3 agro-ecological zones. The impact of this change is
already manifesting among farmers as reduce productivity, personal discomfort
and health hazards. About 94% of the farmers in the savanna, 39.17% in the
rainforest zone and 47.06% in the swamp reported reduced yields on their farms.
Increased incidence of storms damaging or capsizing boats and loss of fishing
nets were also reported in the swamp agro-ecology where there is a high
dependence on water resources. The main technologies utilised for coping with climate
change are: tree planting and afforestation, construction of wind breaks,
campaign against deforestation, early planting of arable crops, flood control
practice, irrigation technologies, use of organic manure, observing weather
pattern, studying ocean current, appropriate use of inorganic fertilizer, mixed
cropping, pond embankment practices and avoidance of bush burning. It is
noteworthy that about 22% of the farmers singled out poverty and lack of
awareness as the key constraint, particularly in swamp agro-ecology where
66.39% of the farmers regarded it as important factor. Also, 21% of the farmers
regarded some of the strategies as being capital intensive. Majority
(64%) of the farmers obtained information on climate change through personal
observation, followed by radio and television (14.9%) and personal contacts
through families and friends (12.15%). The use of radio and emerging ICTs are
advocated as sustainable ways of continuously raising awareness of climate
change issues and promoting necessary adaption strategies in southwest Nigeria.
Journal of
Sustainable Development Vol. 7. No. 2, September, 2010 Special Edition: Climate
Change p. 78-85
PROCESSORS’ PERCEPTION OF THE EFFECT OF CASSAVA PEELS AND EFFLUENT ON THE
ENVIRONMENT IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA
OYEGBAMI, A.1 E. FABUSORO, B. F SALAHU3, AND O. OMUETI1
1.
Institute of Agricultural
Research and Training, (IA.R&T), Moor Plantation Ibadan, Nigeria. Email:
titi_oyegbami@yahoo.com
2.
Department of Agricultural
Extension and Rural Development, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
3.
Federal College of
Agriculture, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IA.R&T), Moor
Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Cassava
processing is generally considered to contribute significantly to environmental
pollution due to improper management of the peels and effluent and this is not
without effect (positive or negative) to the environment. The study examined
cassava processors perception of the effect of cassava peels and effluent on
the environment in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique
was used to select one hundred and seventy-nine (179) cassava processors from
two zones (Ogbomoso and Oyo) out of the four agricultural zones in Oyo State.
Data were collected using informal interview guide on issues relating to
management practices adopted by cassava processors for disposing cassava peels
and effluent, their perception of the effect of cassava peels and effluent on
the environment, and constraints faced in the management of cassava peels and
effluent. Chi-square analysis was used processors and their perception of
cassava peels and effluent on the environment. The findings of the study reveal
that majority (75.4%) of cassava processors were female and sixty two (62%) of
them are into cassava processing as their primary occupation. Also, more than
half (68.2%) use cassava peels as livestock feed and this serve as a way of
disposing the peels while thirty three percent (33%) leave the peels on the
farm to rot so as to avoid cassava (peels) heap around processing environment.
Overall, about three quarter (74.3%) have indifferent perception of the effect
of cassava peels and effluent on the environment. Two third (63.4 %) of cassava
processors opine that cassava effluent is toxic and cannot be managed as a
major constraint. Also, there are significant relationships at 0.05 level of
significance between age, level of education, primary occupation, ownership of
farm and processors perception of the effect of cassava peels and effluent on
the environment.