Assessment of Awareness and Constraints to the Utilization of Climate-Smart Agriculture Technologies among Arable Crop Farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria

The study assessed awareness and constraints to the utilization of climate-smart agriculture technologies among arable-crop farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to examine the awareness levels of arable farmers on climate-smart agriculture technologies; and identify the constraints faced in the utilization of CSA technologies among arable crop farmers in the study area. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 282 respondents from seven local government areas. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and measurement scale. The findings showed that respondents were generally aware of most listed CSA technologies and practices, as all mean scores were above the benchmark, indicating a high level of awareness. The major constraints affecting the utilization of CSA technologies reveal that poor infrastructure was the most severe constraint, with the highest mean score of 4.54. Limited access to credit and funding ranked second with a mean score of 4.46. The high cost of CSA inputs and technologies was also a major constraint, with a mean score of 4.22. Poor market access for CSA-related produce had a mean score of 4.14. Gender-based barriers to technology adoption also had a mean score of 4.14. Climate variability and unpredictability had a mean score of 4.14. The study concludes that the awareness of CSA utilization is strong due to high levels of awareness. However, structural, financial, and institutional barriers continue to hinder optimal utilization of these technologies. It is therefore recommended that Government/ Non-Governmental Organization should invest in rural infrastructure that promote CSA adoption and utilization. Financial institutions and the government should provide farmer-friendly credit schemes with low interest rates and minimal collateral requirements.