The Impact Of Climate Change On Agricultural Productivity The Case Of Delta State

The Impact Of Climate Change On Agricultural Productivity The Case Of Delta State

Chapiter 1

Introduction

1.1 The Study’s Background

The agricultural sector has a multiplier effect on the socioeconomic and industrial structure of any sector because of its multifunctionality (Ogen 2007). It has the potential to act as the nation’s industrial and economic springboard for growth (Stewart 2000). For most rural communities in developing countries overall, this industry continues to be their main source of income. According to Kandlinkar and Risbey (2000), more than 60% of Africans work in agriculture, which contributes more than 30% of the continent’s GDP. In Sub-Saharan Africa, rain-fed farming accounts for approximately 97% of all cropland and significantly affects agricultural productivity due to seasonal rainfall variability (Alvaro et al. 2009). In Nigeria, agriculture provides the majority of the country’s food and jobs, employing 60 to 70 percent of the total population (Mayong et al. 2005). It is a significant economic sector that generates both foreign exchange earnings for the nation and raw materials for enterprises engaged in processing (Mohammed-Lawal and Atte 2006). A change in climate is certain to have an impact on agricultural productivity in particular as well as other socioeconomic activities in Nigeria because agriculture there is predominantly rain-fed. But the effects could be measured in terms of crop development, soil water availability, soil erosion, pest and disease occurrence, sea level rises, and declining soil fertility (Adejuwon 2004). Climate change now poses a bigger threat to all aspects of human life, not only the socioeconomic and agricultural operations of any one country (Adejuwon 2004). According to the UNFCCC, the effect of climate change indicates that the local climate variability to which people have historically been exposed and have adapted is changing, and that this change is happening relatively quickly.

1.2 Description Of The Issue

Beyond crop husbandry, livestock, and the entire agricultural industry are all affected by the challenges posed by climate change to agricultural productivity. Livestock is a source of income, food, and animal products for African farmers. Ehui, Nin (2007, Benin). Both a direct and an indirect effect of the climate can be seen on livestock (Adams et al. 1999; Manning and Nobrew 2001). Animal performance, including growth, milk production, wool production, and reproduction, is directly impacted by climate factors such as air, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other climate characteristics. The quantity and quality of feed, including grass, forage, and grains, as well as the severity and distribution of livestock illnesses and parasites, can all be impacted by the climate (Niggol and Mendelsohn 2008). Consequently, the entire agricultural industry is examined using agricultural productivity. The potential for Nigeria’s water resources and climate change are both largely dependent on rainfall (Adejumo 2004). Due to a sharp decline in the amount of surface water, flora, and fauna resources on land, the northeastern part of Nigeria is quickly turning into a dry environment (CGIAR, 2008). According to Fasona and Omojola (2005), a regular drop in rainfall lowers the rate at which land resources regenerate naturally. As a result, people begin to exploit more previously uncharted territory, which leads to the destruction of forests and the growth of sand dunes and aeolian deposits in Nigeria’s northern axis. The most important problem now affecting the earth is climate change. Some claim that it poses a bigger threat than international terrorism (King 2004). Temperatures in Nigeria’s Guinea Savannah zone are steadily rising, while the country’s south, which is renowned for its abundant rains, is currently experiencing inconsistent rainfall. Additionally, desert encroachment poses a hazard to the northern zone (FME 2004). Food and water supplies are impacted by climate change, and these resources are essential for livelihoods in Africa, where many people, especially the poor, depend on regional supply networks that are susceptible to climate change. Current food and water systems that are disrupted will have catastrophic effects on development and way of life. According to projections, they will make the obstacles to eradicating poverty already caused by climate change worse (De Wit and Stankiewicz 2006). The appropriateness of the climate, which is constantly changing, is based on the environment’s ability to provide all life support systems and resources for satisfying all developmental goals of humans and animals, according to CGIAR (2008). Nigeria’s food security is threatened by the effects of these changes. The report analyzes changes in agricultural productivity and evaluates how climate change may affect agricultural output.

1.3 Study’s Objective

Examining the effect of climate change on agricultural productivity is the main goal of this study. These are the precise goals:

1. Determine whether there is any connection between agricultural productivity and climate change.

2. Determine if increased agricultural yield is a result of high temperatures.

3. Determine the meteorological conditions that harm agricultural productivity and activity.

1.4 Research Proposition

A hypothesis is a speculative experimental claim demonstrating the association between two or more variables. It is subject to testing, and based on whether it agrees or disagrees with the statistical test, it may be accepted or denied.

The null and alternative hypotheses were the two hypotheses that were examined in this study.

In our experiment, there won’t be any effects that can be seen, as indicated by the null hypothesis. The null hypothesis will often be expressed mathematically with an equal sign. The letter H0 stands for this theory. In our hypothesis test, we look for evidence that refute the null hypothesis.

The alternative or experimental hypothesis assumes that our experiment will have an effect that can be seen. Usually, there will be an inequality or a symbol that is not equal to the symbol in a mathematical statement of the alternative hypothesis. Either Ha or H1 can be used to represent this hypothesis. With the use of our hypothesis test, we are indirectly seeking to refute the alternative hypothesis. If the alternative hypothesis is accepted, the null hypothesis is rejected. We reject the alternative hypothesis if the null hypothesis is accepted.

The validity of the following null hypothesis will be investigated in this study:

H01: There is no connection between agricultural productivity and climate change.

H02: Agricultural productivity is not increased by high temperatures.

H03: Agricultural productivity and activity are not harmed by heavy rain.

1.5 Importance Of The Research

All around Nigeria, students, researchers, and professors of agricultural science will find significant value in this study because it will be a valuable resource for their research and academic needs. Additionally, this study would be helpful to farmers in various parts of Nigeria because it explores the issues that climate change has with regard to agricultural productivity. The suggestion made in the study’s last chapter will also inform farmers about how to manage climate change to minimize its negative effects on crops.

1.6 Study’s Purpose

The main goal of this research is to determine whether there is any connection between agricultural productivity and climate change. Agricultural productivity increases when temperatures are high, but it decreases when temperatures are low and there is a lot of rain. As a result, the study will be restricted to farms in Nigeria’s Eboyi State.

1.7 Study Restrictions

The study’s main constraints are a lack of resources to conduct other necessary tasks and recruit a large number of respondents. Another restriction was time, which the researcher had to divide between doing academic work and carrying out this investigation within the allotted period.

Another problem that restricted this investigation was the lack of necessary materials for its success. The researcher faced challenges with the literature sources and interviewing techniques used to validate this research.

1.8 Term Definitions

Climate: Climate is the average of the weather over a lengthy period of time, often 30 years. It is, more precisely, the mean and variability of climatic variables across a time range of months to millions of years.

Climate change refers to both the large-scale changes in weather patterns that arise from global warming caused by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.

Agriculture is the practice of farming, which includes tilling the soil to grow crops and raising animals to produce meat, wool, and other goods.