Impact of Climate Change on Food Production in Nigeria (A Case Study of Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku Local Government Areas of Cross River State)

Odido Okwajie Ogar

doi:10.56201/ijgem.vol.11.no2.2025.pg58.76

📄 Download Paper

Impact of Climate Change on Food Production in Nigeria (A Case Study of Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku Local Government Areas of Cross River State)

Odido Okwajie Ogar

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to food production in Nigeria, affecting crop yields, livestock health, and fisheries. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and increased flooding have led to reduced agricultural productivity, food insecurity, and economic instability. Smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Nigeria's agricultural sector, are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on rain-fed farming and limited access to climate adaptation resources. Soil degradation, pest infestations, and declining water availability further compound the challenges. In this research, a mixed-method research design was adopted, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 400 randomly selected households across ten farming communities, while secondary data on climate variables such as temperature and rainfall were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). The paper examines the impact of climate change on food production in Nigeria and explores adaptive strategies such as climate- smart agriculture, improved irrigation systems and policy interventions. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-sectoral approach involving government support, technological innovation and community participation to ensure sustainable food production and national food security. It recommended the adoption of climate-resilient farming practices, improved water management systems, and enhanced infrastructure to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture.

Keywords

; Climate changeFoodDroughtRainfallAdaptation

References

Eboh, E. C., Ujah, O. C., & Ogbonna, P. O. (2020). Climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in southeastern Nigeria. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 15(3), 205-218. Deressa, T. T., Hassan, R. M., &Ringler, C. (2009). Measuring Ethiopian farmers’ adaptation to climate change. International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Discussion Paper https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1464891 FAO. (2020). The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2020: Transforming food systems for affordable healthy diets. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. IPCC. (2021). Climate change 2021: The physical science basis. Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press. Lobell, D. B., Schlenker, W., & Costa-Roberts, J. (2021). Climate trends and global crop production since 1980. Science, 333(6042), 616-620. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1204531 Mabuku, M., Nyong, A. O., &Odhiambo, M. (2019). Enhancing community resilience to climate change through collective action. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 21(2), 685-702. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-018-0234-3 Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). (2022). Annual climate report: Nigeria's weather patterns and their impacts on agriculture. Federal Ministry of Aviation. Nwafor, C. A., Okonkwo, J. U., & Ezeh, R. O. (2019). Impact of climate variability on crop yields in southeastern Nigeria: Evidence from time-series analysis. Journal of Climate and Agricultural Sustainability, 12(4), 455-472. Okon, B. A., Essien, U. D., & Akpan, M. E. (2021). Effects of temperature and rainfall variability on food production in Cross River State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, 8(2), 99-115. Ozor, N., & Nnaji, C. (2018). Barriers to climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers in Nigeria: A policy perspective. International Journal of Climate Studies, 14(1), 87-102 Rosenzweig, C., &Tubiello, F. N. (2007). Adaptation and mitigation strategies in agriculture: an analysis of potential synergies. Mitigation and adaptation strategies for global change, 12, 855-873. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). Climate-smart agriculture: Practices and policy implications. United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-06/documents/climate-smart-agriculture report.pdf United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2020). Global Trends: Forced Displacement in UNHCR. Zhao, X., Zhang, S., &Xu, L. (2020). Impact of climate change on precipitation patterns and agricultural productivity in Asia. Agricultural Water Management, 235, 106137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2020.106137

Impact of Climate Change on Food Production in Nigeria (A Case Study of Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku Local Government Areas of Cross River State)

Abstract

Keywords

References

More Articles from IIARD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT