Acceptance of Climate Change by Rural Farming Communities in Delta State, Nigeria: Effect of Science and Government Credibility

This study was conducted to examine Delta State rural farming communities’ attitude to climate change in relation to science and government credibility. A preparatory assessment of Delta State rural communities’ understanding of climate change and insights into potential barriers to communication were given by influences on their attitudes. Average of 60.46% of the farmers reported that climate change was occurring and asserted that climate change was the consequence of human activities. Most (91.23%) were certain that climate change is adversely affecting their farming businesses. Many (mean=1.40) found climate change information not easily comprehensible. However the farmers have negative view about the credibility of science, but had low levels of confidence in government. They reported that lack of information was a barrier to adaptation to climate change. This suggests that such barrier lies with the Delta State extension service. There is also an indication that government through the public extension service, need to wake up to her responsibilities of sending related information the rural farming communities. The government should consider the local socio-cultural economic and biophysical environment of the farmers the information is meant for.