THE PERCEPTIONS OF TUBER CROP FARMERS REGARDING RAINFALL VARIABILITY IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

¹Bulus Alidu Denis, ²Sydney U. Okoroha

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the perceptions of tuber crop farmers regarding rainfall variability in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, and the adaptation strategies employed to cope with it. Primary data were collected from 240 tuber crop farmers in six selected communities across the state. The results showed a high awareness level (95%) of rainfall variability among farmers, who perceived late onset, early cessation, and decreased annual rainfall amount as the main challenges. The Z-scores showed that variables such as late onset of rainfall (1.65), early cessation of rainfall (1.05), and decrease in annual rainfall amount (0.54) scored above average. This implies that the perceptions of tuber crop farmers regading rainfall variability is mainly late onset of rainfall, early cessation of rainfall, and decrease in annual rainfall amount. In the area, farmers adopted various adaptation strategies including improved varieties, rain-fed agriculture, mulching, and early planting. The study recommends integrating climate-resilient agricultural practices, irrigation management, and climate information services to enhance crop production and food security in the face of rainfall variability.