Institutional services towards climate action: A case of climate change adaptation of agro-pastoralists in the drylands of Nigeria

The agro-pastoral sector is highly vulnerable to climate change. Animal growth and milk production are affected by a reduced availability and quality of fodder and forage. Water shortages for livestock also pose a significant threat to the sector’s sustainability. To adapt, farmers depend on supportive environments that recognise the crucial role of institutional services in promoting climate action. This study analysed the effect of access to institutional services on climate change adaptation strategies of agro-pastoralists in the dry zone of Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to elicit information from 360 agro-pastoralist farmers, and a multivariate probit regression model was used for the analysis. The results revealed that crop residue-hay conservation, irrigation, and destocking adaptations were positively influenced by extension services, climate change, and livestock-related information. Destocking is negatively influenced by access to credit, climate change, and livestock-related information. Dissemination of climate change information, provision of credit, and construction of water-efficient irrigation facilities are essential to support agro-pastoralists in adapting to climate challenges. Appropriate institutional services from governmental and non-governmental actors through site-specific support and the creation of an enabling environment will enable agro-pastoralists to adopt water-efficient irrigation and improved pasture preservation practices that will make the sector more resilient to the changing environment.Promoting climate-smart practices like water-efficient irrigation and better pasture conservation is key to improving agro-pastoralists’ resilience to climate change. These can be supported through targeted extension services and climate information sharing.Improved access to institutional services like credit and water resources is vital for agro-pastoralists to adopt capital-intensive adaptation such as supplementary feeding and irrigation during climate stress.Providing timely and accurate weather forecasts from meteorological institutions can play a key role in enabling agro-pastoralists to make informed decisions and to better prepare for and respond to climate variability, reducing the negative impacts on their livelihoods.