ASSESSING FARMERS’ CLIMATE CHANGE RISK PERCEPTION IN SELECTED COASTAL COMMUNITIES OF BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA 1

• Z. A. Elum

  Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria Institute of Development Studies, Brighton, United Kingdom Corresponding

  Author

• M. Snijder

  Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria Institute of Development Studies, Brighton, United Kingdom Corresponding

  Author

Climate change characterized by increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, is worsened by increasing level of uncertainty of its associated risk. Hence, there is an increasing need for greater awareness and understanding of the risks climate change poses to a farming community to inform appropriate adaptive responses. The study specifically evaluated farmers’ view on the occurrence of climate change related events and their perception on risk related with climate change. Through a purposive sampling technique, primary data was collected with the aid of a survey schedule. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The principal component analysis (PCA) was used on the climate risk perception instrument of measurement. Results showed that 85% of the farmers perceived floods as the most occurring climate change-related disaster risk followed by high temperature. The PCA analysis showed that impact (perceived or experienced) and ability to control the impact were underlying factors shaping farmers’ perception of climate change-related disaster risk. More so, majority of the farmers were categorised as having high risk perception. The study suggests there is potential for farmers’ willingness to undertake adaptive strategies to cope with future flooding and high temperature.

1. Z. A. Elum, Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria Institute of Development Studies, Brighton, United Kingdom Corresponding

   Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria Institute of Development Studies, Brighton, United Kingdom Corresponding

2. M. Snijder, Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria Institute of Development Studies, Brighton, United Kingdom Corresponding

   Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria Institute of Development Studies, Brighton, United Kingdom Corresponding

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