EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE YIELD OF MAIZE IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract This study investigated the impact of climate change on maize yield in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State, Nigeria. Historical rainfall and temperature data were obtained from the archives of the Nigerian Meteorological Station in Abuja, while maize yield records were sourced from the Benue State Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (BNARDA). A total of 43 years (1980–2022) of data were analyzed to assess the relationship between climatic variables and maize yield trends, using trend line equations to illustrate patterns over time. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select six LGAs, and Krejcie and Morgan's formula guided the determination of a sample size of 780 purposively selected farmers. Data collection tools included a self-designed Crop Farmers’ Perception Questionnaire (CFPQ) and a Crop Farmers’ Perception Interview Guide (CFPIG). The reliability of these instruments was confirmed using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient, yielding values of 0.76 and 0.82, respectively. The results indicated a significant upward trend in rainfall and temperature over the study period, which has positively influenced maize cultivation in the area. The study concluded that climate change, particularly variations in rainfall and temperature, has contributed to improved maize yields in Benue State. It recommends that government bodies and non-governmental organizations support maize production by encouraging farmers to leverage the favorable climatic conditions, while also enhancing access to credit facilities such as loans, grants, and subsidies to facilitate the adoption of climate adaptation strategies and strengthen agricultural resilience.