ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON VEGETABLE (TOMATO AND PEPPER) PRODUCTION IN JERE LGA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the economic impact of climate change on vegetable (tomato and pepper) production in Jere Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria. A total of 50 respondents were purposively selected across four wards, and primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire, supported by secondary data from relevant agencies. Descriptive statistics and a two-sample z- test were used to compare the income of farmers before and after climate change. The findings revealed that respondents were mostly male, married, and within the active age group of 30–50 years, with low formal education but considerable farming experience. The major climatic factors influencing vegetable production included rainfall variability, increasing temperature, and prolonged dry spells. Results showed that climate change significantly reduced tomato and pepper yields and farmers’ average income, with a Z-test confirming the difference to be statistically significant at 5% level. The adaptation strategies adopted included the use of drought-tolerant varieties, irrigation, mixed cropping, and reliance on indigenous knowledge. The study recommended that the government and stakeholders should strengthen the dissemination of climate information, improve access to irrigation facilities, and provide extension services and financial support to enhance farmers’ adaptive capacity and ensure sustainable vegetable production