Farmers' Perception of the Effects of Climate Change on Vegetables in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

In recent times, vegetable production has suffered from adverse climatic events resulting in poor yields. The study examined the challenges faced by vegetable farmers regarding climate change in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A purposive sampling method was used to select 240 vegetable farmers using a questionnaire. Primary data were sourced and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the probit regression model. Results show that reduced yield (100%), reduced income (96.7%), reduction in quality (93.3%), pests and diseases (95.8%) and increased production costs (97.9%) were perceived effects of climate change on vegetable plants. Age, gender, farm size and extension contacts were significant factors influencing vegetable farmers' vulnerability to climate change. Perceived constraints of vegetable farmers include; increasing transportation (96.3%), labor supply cost and availability (92.5%), shortage of farming lands (89.6%), insufficient extension personnel (91.7%) and land fragmentation (100%). Farmers were recommended to practice climate-smart vegetable production to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.