Effects of Climate Change Adaptation Measures on Groundnut Production Efficiency in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of climate change adaptation strategies on groundnut production efficiency. The population for the study consists of all groundnut farmers in Benue State. Primary data were collected from 205 sampled groundnut farmers using multistage sampling technique. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result showed that the average age of the respondents was 36 years. Groundnut farming in the study area was dominated by the male. Majority of the farmers were married with an average of 6 persons per household. The study reveals that82.9% and 74.1% of the respondents do not have access to extension services and credit respectively.The result of the stochastic frontier analysis revealed that the average technical efficiency of groundnut production was 0.90. The respondents were aware of climate change and adopted measures to cope with the changing climate. The inefficiency model showed that adoption of improved/multiple varieties and planting of trees to cope with climate change significantly increased inefficiency at 5% level of significance; off-farm employment significantly increased inefficiency at 10% level of significance; adjustment of/multiple planting dates and alternative tillage practices significantly decreased inefficiency at 1% level of significance. Inadequate access to credit and extension services hindered appropriate use of adaptation measures, hence, there is need to emphasize adequate education with the help of extension agents to facilitate the farmers’ adaptation to climate change and there is need also for government to support credit facilities to help improve farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change.