Bridging Research, Policy, and Practice: A Meta-Analysis of 56 Climate Adaptation Studies in Nigerian Agriculture

This study presents a meta-analysis of 56 peer-reviewed studies on climate change adaptation among Nigerian farmers in West Africa. The analysis identifies five primary adaptation strategies: crop and variety diversification, water management, agroforestry, temporal adjustments, and livelihood diversification. It also highlights significant barriers to adoption, including limited access to credit, inadequate extension services, gender disparities, and cultural beliefs. The findings reveal a disconnection between the adaptation techniques modelled and the practices of farmers, often attributable to socioeconomic and institutional constraints. Notably, regional differences influence adaptation choices, with northern farmers focusing on drought-resistant crops and migration, while southern farmers prioritize flood management and soil conservation. The study underscores the importance of participatory approaches in designing effective adaptation policies that align with local contexts. By integrating scientific models with indigenous knowledge and addressing systemic barriers, policymakers can enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate variability. This research contributes to climate adaptation in West Africa by providing a comprehensive synthesis of existing literature and offering insights for targeted interventions in the Nigerian agricultural sector.