CLIMATE CHANGE AND MEASURES MITIGATING THE EFFECTS ON CROP PRODUCTION

ABSTRACT

This study examines climate change and measures mitigating the effects on crop production in Ovia's northeast local government of Edo state. The primary data were collected from 1200 farmers in Ovia North East in Edo State. The data were collected through multi-stage sampling techniques which were adopted. For the first stage, Ovia North East Local Government of Edo state was selected for the study due to the feasible availability of respondents in the area. In the second state, four villages were randomly selected, and 120 farmers from the research area for the study which is 10 percent of the total population. Three research questions were raised to guide the study. The instrument was validated by 2 experts from the Department of Vocational and Technical Education Faculty of Education. The University of Benin and 1 expert from the Department of Crop Science Faculty of Agriculture University of Benin. The data collected was analyzed using frequency count, simple percentage, mean and standard deviation. This study revealed that climatic change disrupts farming activities, leads to the outbreak of pests and diseases, causes variation in pests and disease, and is hazardous to health and plants. It was also revealed that respondents are aware that the problem of climate change can be solved; afforestation and awareness campaigns against climate change and adjusting and preventing air pollution a solutions to climate change in our environment. This Study recommended that Government and Farmer's associations should discourage deforestation and encourage afforestation and regeneration. They should also discourage the of Bush burning Workshops should be organized that would enlighten and sensitize local farmers on climate change and various mitigation strategies to cope with the challenges. The government should embark on adequate extension programs directed at meeting climate change adaptation strategies in food production.