Perceived Effects of Climate Change on Yam Production Among Rural Farmers in Akure North Local Government Area Ondo State Nigeria

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the perceived effects of climate change on yam production among rural farmers in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Yam remains a vital staple crop and a major source of income in the region. However, its cultivation is increasingly threatened by climate-related stressors such as erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and pest infestations. This research is essential for understanding these impacts and informing effective adaptation strategies.
The study aimed to assess the effects of climate change on yam production, examine the adaptation strategies employed by farmers, and identify the key constraints they encounter. Using a two-stage sampling technique, 163 respondents were purposively selected across three communities: Eleyowo (75 respondents), Owode (63), and Araromi (25). Data were gathered through structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.
Findings revealed that 73.0% of respondents reported significant climate change impacts on their yam farms. These included increased production costs (91.4%), reduced yields (87.7%), reduced farmland (87.1%), and higher pest and disease incidence (90.8%). As adaptive measures, 86.5% of farmers planted early-maturing varieties, 87.1% engaged in regular weeding, and 86.5% practiced crop diversification.
However, adaptation was limited by several constraints: 69.9% lacked access to farm loans, 66.9% reported low incomes, and 84.7% cited high input costs. Additionally, 47.2% faced limited irrigation access, while 44.8% reported poor extension services. Correlation analysis showed that age (r = 0.263, p < 0.01) and access to farm loans (r = 0.185, p < 0.05) significantly influenced farmers’ perceptions of climate change.
In conclusion, while there is considerable awareness and effort toward adaptation among rural yam farmers, financial and institutional barriers persist. The study recommends that government and stakeholders expand access to credit, subsidize farm inputs, enhance extension services, and support the development of climate-resilient yam varieties to strengthen agricultural sustainability under changing climatic conditions.