Crop farmers' understanding of climate change and adaptation practices in South-east Nigeria

摘要

This paper investigated crop farmers' perception and adaptation practices to climate change in South-east Nigeria based on climatic data from a meteorological station and information from a review of 30 published studies on practices that boost farmers' resilience to climate change. Results confirmed the evidence of climate change in the area and that the farmers noticed the change. The review revealed that crop farmers in South-east Nigeria are already using a wide range of creative practices to deal with climate risks. We found 41 different practices relevant to climate change adaptation and organised them in five categories: farm management and technology; farm financial management; diversification; mobility and social networks; and knowledge management and regulations. We concluded that adaptation policies should complement farmers' autonomous response to climate change through crop improvement, provision of financial services, investments in local knowledge and social networks, and implementation of policies that enhance livelihood diversification.