Perceived Effect of Climate Change On Socio-Economic Status of Arable Crop Farmers in Kwara and Oyo States

The effects of climate change on the environment, economy and social life of the people, most especially arable farmers whose livelihoods depend largely on rainfall cannot be overemphasized (Fatuase et al., 2018). Arable crop farmers provide the majority of crops consumed locally and supplies to other regions of the country, and they are experiencing climate change even though they have not considered its implications, as evidenced by late rainfall and the drying up of streams and small rivers that normally flow year-round in the country (Fadairo et al, 2021). Climate change has emerged as a major threat to socio-economic development across the globe, affecting both developed and developing nations. In Nigeria and many other African countries, the agricultural sector plays a vital role in ensuring food security and providing employment opportunities for a large proportion of the population. This study examined the effect of climate change on socio-economic status of arable crop farmers in Kwara and Oyo states, Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling procedure, 305 representing 10% of total of 3050 arable crop farmers were randomly selected and data were collected from them with the aid of a structured interview schedule. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as Frequency counts, Percentages, means and grand mean while Chi-Square was used to test the hypothesis. Results showed that the mean age of arable crop farmers was 50 years. More than half (60.7%) of arable crop farmers were male while 39.3% were female. Majority (92.1%) were married, while only 6.6% were single and very few were divorced or widowed. The mean farming experience was 20 years. Arable crop farmers in Oyo state perceives more social and assets effects (cannot own car 4.00 and 2.27 in Kwara and Oyo state respectively) while Kwara perceived more land reduction( Kwara state,4.69 , Oyo state 3.63). The overall regression model showed that there was a statistically significant association between climate change effect and socio-economic status of arable crop farmers (F = 14.764; p = 0.05).