RICE FARMERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ASSOCIATED SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS IN BEKWARRA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study investigated the rice farmers’ perceptions of the causes of climate change and associated socioeconomic factors in Bekwarra Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Literature was duly reviewed under. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 98 respondents, and data were collected through structured questionnaire and analyzed using percentage, mean and regression analysis. Findings revealed that 57.14% of respondents were male and 42.86% female, with a mean age of 45 years. Most farmers (66 %) were married, had a mean household size of 6 persons, and 50.00% attained secondary education, while the mean farming experience was 7 years. Farmers perceived causes of climate change and largely attributed them to environmental factors such as deforestation, bush burning, and increasing temperature conditions. Regression analysis showed that education, farming experience, and extension contact significantly influenced farmers’ perception of causes of climate change. The study concludes that farmers’ perception of the causes of climate change was shapedby factors such as characteristics and access to information, highlighting the need for improved extension services and climate education to enhance adaptation and resilience. The study recommendedamong others that training and capacity-building programmes should be organized regularly to educate farmers on climate change causes in the study area.