CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN OBAFEMI-OWODE, NIGERIA: PERCEPTION, VULNERABILITY, AND RESILIENCE

Climate change continues to threaten agricultural productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods across sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, smallholder farmers who constitute the majority of agricultural producers are especially susceptible to climate-related risks. This study investigated the adaptation strategies employed by smallholder farmers in Obafemi-Owode, Nigeria, with specific objectives to assess their awareness of climate change, identify factors influencing their perceptions, examine its effects on farming activities, and explore the adaptation strategies adopted. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, combining quantitative data from a survey of 120 farmers with qualitative insights from focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The study revealed a high level of climate change awareness (78%) among farmers, with radio (70.8%) and peer communication (72.5%) as primary information sources. Key factors shaping farmers’ perceptions include access to irrigation infrastructure (59.2%), cultural beliefs and knowledge (50.8%), irregular rainfall patterns (48.3%), and rising temperatures (44.2%). Among the impacts, delayed planting (40.8%) emerged as a significant effect of climate variability. In terms of adaptation, the most commonly reported strategy was redirecting water flow into farmlands (47.5%). The study underscores the need to enhance farmer capacity through targeted awareness campaigns, practical training, and improved access to extension services. It recommends that adaptation strategies be context-specific, accessible, and grounded in local realities to effectively build resilience among vulnerable farming communities.