Promoting Community Awareness Adaptation and Action for Climate Change in Southern Nigeria

Climate change is a global challenge because of its multifaceted impacts on the environment, food security and livelihoods. Rural farming communities are amongst the most vulnerable to climate change as agriculture depends on weather. Previous studies have shown that in southern Nigeria, flooding and the attendant erosion of surface soils due to run-off are the major impacts of climate change. Although adaptation is the first line response in developing countries, the contextual socio-economic environment under which households and rural communities are expected to adapt have not been fully examined. Also an examination of community-based action for climate change has scarcely been studied hence this study. Two communities in southern Nigeria were purposively selected based on erosion and flood hazards. Structured questionnaire and participatory mechanisms were used to elicit information. It was found that at the community level, while coping strategies adopted were identified, there was a dire lack of capacity to adapt due to limited access to knowledge on climate smart technologies. Amongst the respondents, 69.6% in Afikpo and 50% in Ndoni stated that they did not have ease of access to climate change information. Community leadership role on climate change was very weak in both communities as only 17.4 % in Afikpo and 5% in Ndoni felt that their community leadership provided resources for climate change adaptation. The paper recommends capacity building for community leaders on climate change adaptation and the promotion of action-oriented research that would promote knowledge and climate smart technologies.