Cassava farmers' adaption to climate change in Oron agricultural zone of Akawa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study examined climate change adaptation measures used by cassava farmers in Oron agricultural zone of Akwa Ibom State. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select eighty cassava farmers for the study. Data was collected with the use of structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Adaptation measures were captured using a 4 point Likert- type scale, while the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics namely; mean, percentage, frequency count and a multi variance factor analysis. The findings show that 30% of the respondents were between the ages of 31 and 40 years. Majority of the respondents were female (67.5%), 86.3% married, 90% literate with an average farming experience of 25 years. The result of the factor analysis identified seven major adaptation options used by the cassava farmers namely; use of improved& resistant species and farm chemicals (Factor 1), use of improved farming practices and information from agricultural extension agent (factor 2), diversification (factor 3), water conservation practices (factor 4), soil fertility and land policies/ practices (factor 5), use of insurance and credit facilities (factor 6), use of weather forecast facilities (factor 7). The study recommended that Agricultural Development Programme should make room for extension agents to visit farmers, create awareness, and disseminate proven measures to boost the adaptive/resilience capacities of the farmers in the area.