IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON PASTORAL DAIRY FARMING IN PLATEAU STATE AND THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT), NIGERIA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EXTENSION SERVICES

This study examined the effects of climate change on pastoral dairy farming in Plateau State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, with a focus on the role of agricultural extension services in promoting climate-smart dairy practices. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select 240 respondents, comprising 120 pastoral dairy farmers, 90 Agricultural Extension Agents, and 30 community leaders (Ardos). Data were collected from respondents using the Kobocollect tool through structured questionnaires, oral interviews, and focus group discussions. Analysis in RStudio employed descriptive statistics, the Chi-Square test, ANOVA, Pearson Correlation, and a Correlation Matrix with a Heatmap to evaluate relationships among variables. The findings reveal that male dominance, with an average age of 43 years and over 60% lacking formal education, limits their ability to adopt climate-smart practices. The average household size consists of seven members, while herd sizes vary; farmers in Plateau typically own an average of 56 cattle, compared to 48 in the FCT. Climate variability has a significant impact on cow milk productivity, as confirmed by ANOVA results (F = 28.95, p = 0.0032), highlighting notable differences across states. Challenges in accessing extension services differ; in the FCT, inadequate technical knowledge, limited training, and weak institutional support hinder adoption, while socio-cultural resistance poses a primary barrier in Plateau (X² = 35.72, p = 0.0015). Poor literacy, inadequate infrastructure, and limited dissemination of extension materials impede service delivery. FCT pastoralists prefer digital advisory platforms, whereas Plateau farmers emphasize financial support and infrastructure (X² = 22.58, p = 0.0064). The study concludes that climate change has a significant impact on pastoral dairy farming in Plateau State and the FCT, affecting milk productivity and farmer resilience. While FCT pastoralists confront technical and institutional challenges, those in Plateau face socio-cultural resistance despite better engagement with extension services. The study recommends tailored extension strategies, digital advisory platforms, financial support, and policy reforms to enhance climate-smart dairy farming and resilience.