The Economic Impact of Climate Change and Farmers' Adaptation Strategies for Yam Production in Cross River State, Nigeria
Angba, Cynthia (2021) The Economic Impact of Climate Change and Farmers' Adaptation Strategies for Yam Production in Cross River State, Nigeria. Doctoral thesis, Royal Agricultural University.
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Abstract
This thesis addressed the economic impact of climate variability and farmers' adaptation options for yam production in Cross River State, Nigeria for the purpose of developing improved extension and agricultural policies that embrace the challenges faced by smallholders. The specific objectives were: to analyse the impact of climate variables on yam production at the State level for the period 1996-2017; to investigate the socio-economic factors that affect the net revenue of yam farmers at the farm level; to evaluate yam farmers' perceptions of, and adaptation strategies to changes in the weather patterns they are experiencing in the study area and any barriers to adaptation; to determine the most important factors that affect farmers' choice of adaptation to climate change; and to validate the models used through the engagement of experts in relevant fields to get their opinions on the study recommendations for a new strategy for smallholders growing yam on their holdings. This research adopted the mixed method approach, including a two-stage online survey to gain expert opinions on the study’s main recommendations. Data was collected from secondary and primary sources; secondary data from government statistical publications and primary data from 209 yam farmers through a structured questionnaire, and from 27 experts through online survey. Quantitative data was analysed using inferential statistics which included the co-integration analysis, ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis, chi-square tests, independent sample T-test, and Logit regression analysis. Qualitative data was analysed using percentages, interquartile range and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that increasing temperature had a negative impact on yam production in Cross River State. Also, the variables that had statistically significant effects on the net revenue of farmers in response to climate change were number of years in farming, household size, access to the weather forecast and tenure status. The findings further revealed that the adaptation strategies taken by the farmers to cope with climate change included the use of improved variety, changing planting date, planting of trees, use of inorganic fertiliser, reducing bush burning, expansion of farm size, off-farm employment and cultivation of different varieties of crops. The most common barrier observed by the farmers in the study area was the lack of credit facilities. The main contribution to knowledge made by this research was the development of a framework for achieving a better output and net revenue in yam farming under a climate change situation, a framework that was validated by a panel of expert in the field.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Climate change, Economic impact, Yams, Cross River State, Nigeria |
| Divisions: | Agriculture, Science and Practice |
| Depositing User: | Ms Susan Baker |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Jul 2026 14:29 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Jul 2026 14:29 |
| URI: | https://rau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17122 |
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