NAVIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE: EXPLORING THE SOCIOECONOMIC DIMENSIONS OF FOOD INSECURITY AMONG CATFISH FARMERS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Change in climate is already a reality as all countries are taking action to reduce their gas emissions from greenhouse and get ready for its effects. The study examined socioeconomic dimension of food insecurity among catfish farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria. Other objectives were to examine the effects of climate change on catfish production and to evaluate the adaptation strategies employed by the catfish farmers and to determine the factors contributing to food security in the study area. Two stage sampling techniques were employed in selecting 231 catfish farmers for the study. Results revealed that the average age for catfish farmers was 42 years with a standard deviation of 10.69. In addition, male dominated the enterprise with an average of 0.76 and a standard deviation of 0.43 and that majority of the respondents were married with mean of 2.00 and a standard deviation of 0.622. Average number of years spent in school was 13 years. The mean farming experience of the catfish farmers was 11 years with a standard deviation of 7.74. The result of food security status revealed that food secure households were estimated to be 42.86% while 57.14% of the respondents were food insecure. Results further revealed the household size, (p < 0.10), education (p < 0.001) experience, (p<0.05) climate variable (p<0.05) showed a relationship to the food insecurity status of catfish farmers. The study recommends that catfish farmers should be more educated about climate change. Keyword: Climate Change, Socioeconomic, Catfish farmers, Food insecurity, Odd ratios