AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PERCEPTION OF LOCAL FARMERS ON CLIMATE CHANGE: A CASE STUDY OF IDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

ABSTRACT: This study was carried out to assess the perception of local farmers on climate change in Ido local government. Specifically, the study was aimed at ascertaining the level of knowledge local farmers have about climate change and the actions they take, their sources of information about climate change, their perception about the effects of climate change, their coping strategies and the actions government can take to alleviate the problems of climate change. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. A total of 143 responses were validated from the survey. The study adopted the activity theory. From the responses obtained and analysed, the findings revealed respondents sources of information about climate change and concludes that there is a significant statistical variation in respondents knowledge and sources of information about climate change. The study also through its findings revealed that there is a significant statistical variation in farmer’s perception of the effects of climate change while there was no statistically significant variation in the coping strategies adopted by farmers. On the actions taken by government to mitigate the effects of climate change, it can be concluded that there has been no enough action taken in the study area to help farmers mitigate the effects of climate change. The study recommend Supporting farmers to increase their adaptation capacities through the provision of necessary resources such as credit facilities, information and training can significantly help them increase and sustain high levels of productivity even under changing climatic conditions. Furthermore, Government policies need to support research and development of appropriate technologies to help farmers adapt to changes in climatic conditions.