SMALLHOLDER FARMERS' ADAPTATION TO DROUGHT IN NORTHERN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA: A QUALITATIVE APPROACH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/jees.2025.0202/004Keywords:
Adaptation Strategies, Constraints, Crops, Drought, Impacts, RainfallAbstract
The study aimed to assess smallholder farmers’ adaptation strategies to drought in the northern part of Katsina. The study used qualitative data obtained from farmers in four Local Government Areas. The objectives of the study are to examine the effects of drought and the adaptation strategies, as well as the constraints to adaptation. Data for the study were collected through Focus Group Discussion (n=28) and Key Informants Interview (n=10). The effects identified by the smallholder farmers were reduced crop yields, total crop failure, hunger, drying of surface and subsurface water, loss of animals, and vegetation. Furthermore, the results showed that smallholder farmers adapt to drought by planting drought-tolerant crops, planting early-maturing crops, practicing multiple cropping, applying manure, engaging in mixed farming, and using insecticides. Others were adjusting the farming calendar, planting economic trees, and switching to other businesses. Constraints to adaptation include limited access to improved crop varieties, credit, extension services, and irrigation water sources. It also consists of a lack of capital, high fertilizer and other farm input costs, and poor governance. It is recommended that smallholder farmers work together to develop sustainable community-based adaptation strategies and to plant economic trees as a livelihood activity. Governmental and nongovernmental organizations should empower farmers to adopt robust methods, such as irrigation, and incorporate their adaptation knowledge into the national drought plan.
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