Climate Variability and Change: Perceptions and Adaptations in Subsistence Agriculture

The study examined perceptions and adaptations to climate variability and change in subsistence agriculture. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to elicit information from 90 respondents. Data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares techniques. Perception of farmers on long-term changes in temperature revealed that 24.62 percent of the perceived temperature to be on the increase while 18.10 percent perceived rainfall to be on the increase. The number of farmers who have not noticed changes in temperature and precipitation were few 3.04 per cent and 4.89 per cent respectively. In specific terms, 11.74 per cent of the respondents adopted the use of different varieties in response to changes in climate while the use of irrigation (3.12 per cent) was the least adopted strategy. The regression result showed that farming experience and access to credit were the significant variables determining adaptation.