KOCE Diko Henry1
SIMADI Monday2
1Department of Marketing, The Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger state: okindo66@gmail.com
2FCT Mass Education Headquarters Karu, Abuja: simamong@gmail.com
Abstract
Agriculture remains a critical pillar of food security, economic development and livelihood sustenance across the globe. But its vulnerability to climate change has become a growing national and international concern. Thus, this study examined the impact of climate change on agricultural produce availability in Bwari Area Council, Abuja – a critical agrarian hub in Nigeria that is vulnerable to shifting global climate patterns. The study employed a descriptive design and collected data from 500 farmers across ten towns in a cross-sectional survey. A structured questionnaire served as data collection instrument. Data analysis, utilizing frequencies and percentages, revealed farmers’ acute awareness of climate change, through observed unreliable rainfall, increased dry spells, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events. These changes profoundly impacted production, with significant yield declines across staple crops like maize and yam and a dramatic reduction in vegetable availability. Livestock production also suffered, marked by decreased pasture and water access. Despite farmers’ proactive adaptation efforts (e.g., adjusting planting times, these were severely hindered by lack of financial resources, limited access to improved inputs, and insufficient climate information/extension services. The study concludes that climate change is inflicting tangible negative impacts on Bwari’s agricultural output and livelihoods and recommends among others, that there should be enhanced financial inclusion and access to capital for farmers to bolster local adaptive capacity and ensure food security.
Keywords: Adaptation strategies, climate change, food security, crop yields.