Assesment of the Effect of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices on Cassava Farmers’ Production in Imo State, Nigeria

Climate change is threatening cassava productivity in Nigeria. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) offers potential to enhance yield, income and resilience, but adoption remains low among smallholders. This study assessed the effect of CSA practices on cassava farmers’ yield and income in Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 300 cassava farmers selected through multistage sampling between 2023 and 2024. Descriptive statistics, 5-point Likert scale and Ordinary Least Squares regression were used for analysis. Results showed that 86.67% of farmers were male, 55.33% were above 60 years, and 91% had secondary education. Mean farm size was <1 ha for 39.33% of farmers. Farmers had positive perceptions of CSA: 83.67% agreed CSA increased income and 93.33% agreed it reduced crop loss risk. Most adopted practices were cover cropping (27%), minimum tillage (18.67%) and crop rotation with legumes (18.33%). OLS results showed that sex (β=4.00, p<0.05), occupation (β=5.16, p<0.01), farm size (β=1.08, p<0.10) and use of Integrated Pest Management (β=1.27, p<0.05) significantly increased cassava yield. For income, farming experience (β=156.89, p<0.01) was positive while education (β=-253.47, p<0.05), household size (β=-264.18, p<0.10) and irrigation (β=-1998.01, p<0.10) were negative. Major constraints were high cost of farm input (mean=5.71), land insufficiency (5.85), low education level (5.94), and lack of access to water (5.57). The study concludes that CSA practices improve cassava yield but adoption is constrained by financial, infrastructural and informational factors. It recommends improved credit access, strengthened extension services, gender-targeted programs, and reliable climate information to scale CSA in Imo State.