Extension Programmes and Rural Livelihoods Under Climate Change: Evidence from Rice and Cassava Farmers in South East Nigeria

This study effectively assesses climate change, extension, and rural livelihoods in South East Nigeria. Its clear objectives, specifically examined the socioeconomic characteristics of rice and cassava respondents involved in IFAD-assisted VCDP, identified the livelihoods available to the respondents, examined the adaptive strategies available to cushion the effect of climate change, and determined the constraints to rice and cassava production in the areas. An appropriate multistage sampling design, combining purposive and random sampling techniques, was used to select 300 rice and cassava farmers. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Analysis combines descriptive statistics, coding, thematic interpretation, and an inferential t-test. The study revealed that female respondents (54.7%) dominated the area, with an average age of approximately 41 years; the majority (50.3%) were single, the majority (51.7%) had a formal education, and the mean farming experience was 10 years. The mean contact with extension agents per annum was approximately 8 times; a greater proportion (24.7%) were producers & marketers. The mean rice production was 9.94 tonnes, and the mean cassava production was 41.44 tonnes of cassava. The majority (53.7%) agree that their primary livelihood is rice and cassava processing. The adaptation strategies to climate change were: the use of improved rice & cassava varieties, the timing of planting, and rice bunding. The main constraints were the high cost of labour, the high cost of transportation, and bad roads. The study demonstrates that participation in an extension programme significantly improved the livelihoods of rice and cassava farmers in South East Nigeria. It is recommended that policy interventions prioritize reducing labour and transportation costs, improving rural road infrastructure, strengthening input supply systems, reforming land tenure to enhance access, expanding affordable credit facilities, and addressing insecurity to foster resilience and sustainable agricultural development.