Sources of Awareness and Perception of the Effects of Climate Change among Sesame Producers in the Southern Agricultural Zone of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the sources of awareness of climatechange and ascertain the perception of the effects among sesameproducers in the Southern Agricultural Zone of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Amultistage random sampling technique was used in selecting 180 sesamefarmers that participated in the study. Descriptive statistics were used inanalyzing data. Major results show that both males and females mostly(40%) between the ages of 31-40 years were involved in sesameproduction. The level of education was low. Increased rains, insectinfestation and torrential downpours were perceived as effects of climatechange. Sesame farmers’ had adapted to such changes through the use ofchemicals, insect powders, early planting and early harvesting. Results alsoshow that extension agents, radio and television were the major sources ofawareness of the effects of climate change. The study concluded with therecommendation that farmers’ awareness of the devastating effects ofclimate change is very critical for helping them adapt to climate change andneed to be urgently strengthened by extension service so as to sustainsesame production even in the event of climate change.