Agro-forestry Practices for Climate Change Adaptation among Rural Farmers in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. Chikaire, J.U., Anyoha, N.O., Godson-Ibeji, C.C. & Oguegbuchulam, M. (2016). Agro-forestry Practices for Climate Change Adaptation among Rural Farmers in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. Mayfair Journal of Agribusiness Management Volume 1, Issue No 2, Pp 39-49
Abstract
The aim of this study was to ascertain the benefits of agro-forestry practices as a mitigation strategy for climate change among farmers in Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State – Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers in the study area, identify evidence of climate change in the area, ascertain agro-forestry practices adopted by the respondents; and examine perceived benefits of agro-forestry practices for mitigating climate change. Data was collected through questionnaire distributed to 180 respondents. It was analysed using descriptive statistics – percentages, frequency distribution tables, mean scores. The results revealed that majority (70.6%) were males, and 29.4% were females, with a mean age of 45.1 years. while 80% of the survey were married, 31.7 % had primary education and 44.4 % had secondary education. The mean size of farm was 1.25 hectares, and the mean size of the household was 5.2 persons. The respondents had a mean farming experience of 30.05 years. The prevalent agro-forestry practices included rotational farming, improved fallow, intercropping, forest fencing and soil and water conservation among others. Climate change evidence identified by the respondents included increased temperature and soil erosion, amongst others – refer to the Tables. The respondents agreed that the benefits of agro-forestry included reduced soil erosion, reduced heat stress, protection of crops from wind damage, reduction of wind speed, among others practices. Extension agents should visit farmers for information dissemination and land should be allocated to enterprising agro-foresters. The government should enact Agroforestry policy, encourage and invest in related researches to determine the best combination of forest and crops production methods best for the environment.