IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURE IN AGATU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Climate change poses a serious threat to agricultural productivity and food security in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities that depend heavily on rain-fed farming systems. This study examines the impact of climate change on agriculture and food security in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Agatu is predominantly agrarian, with smallholder farmers relying on crops such as yam, cassava, maize, rice, and millet for subsistence and income. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study combined household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions to assess farmers’ experiences, adaptation strategies, and food security status. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings reveal that erratic rainfall, flooding, agricultural drought, and increased pest infestations are the most significant climate-related challenges affecting agricultural productivity in the area. The results further indicate widespread food insecurity, with the majority of households experiencing inadequate food availability, limited access, poor utilization, and unstable food supplies throughout the year. Although farmers have adopted coping strategies such as crop diversification, the use of early-maturing crop varieties, agroforestry, and cooperative farming, the adoption of improved irrigation systems remains limited due to high costs and inadequate technical support. The study concludes that climate change has significantly undermined agricultural sustainability and food security in Agatu. It recommends the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices, the expansion of irrigation infrastructure, improved access to extension services, and supportive policies aimed at strengthening farmers’ adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change.
Keywords: Adaptation strategies; Agriculture; Climate change and Food security.
