ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADAPTATION PRACTICES TO CLIMATE CHANGE AMONG RICE (Oryza sativa) FARMERS IN WUKARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the factors influencing the adaptation practices to climate change among rice farmers in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socioeconomic characteristics of rice farmers, determine the factors influencing the adaptation practices to climate change by rice farmers and to identify the constraints of the adoption of adaptation practices towards climate change. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 245 rice farmers across five wards. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and Likert scale rating. Results showed that the farmers are middle-aged (mean of 41.6 years), married (77.1%), and male (81.2%), with moderate household sizes (mean of 6 members). Many had no formal education (46.9%). Multiple regression analysis identified age(β = 0.032467), education level(β = 0.035128), household size(β = 0.237546), and cooperative membership (β = 0.054872) all significant at p < 0.001as positive determinants of adaptation practice adoption, while farm size (β = -0.022156,p <0.001) showed a negative relationship. Financial constraints (x̄=4.560),inadequate irrigation infrastructure(x̄=4.408), and change from traditional methods(x̄=4.326) emerged as the most significant constraints to adaptation. The study recommends enhanced access to financial services, improved infrastructure development, targeted climate education programs, and farmers should be encouraged to join cooperative groups.