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CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES AND AGRICULTURAL RESILIENCE IN BENUE STATE

ABSTRACT

Climate change poses severe threats to agricultural productivity and food security in Nigeria, particularly in Benue State, widely regarded as the nation’s “Food Basket.” This study examines climate change adaptation strategies and their impact on agricultural resilience in Benue State. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research investigates the major climate-related challenges faced by smallholder farmers such as flooding, erratic rainfall, drought, rising temperatures, and increased pest incidence and evaluates the effectiveness of adopted adaptation strategies including mixed cropping, early planting, use of improved and resistant crop varieties, agroforestry, crop rotation, organic manure application, and diversification practices. Benue State’s agriculture, dominated by rain-fed crop production (yam, cassava, maize, rice, and sorghum) and livestock rearing, has experienced declining yields and heightened vulnerability due to extreme weather events. Recent studies highlight that while farmers employ several indigenous and modern adaptation measures, awareness levels remain low in some areas, and barriers such as limited access to credit, extension services, climate information, and modern technologies constrain effective resilience building. The study further explores the role of social capital, extension agents, and governance in facilitating or hindering adaptation. Findings are expected to provide context-specific empirical evidence from Benue State, contributing to the literature on climate-smart agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. The study offers practical recommendations for policymakers, extension services, and development partners to scale up effective adaptation strategies, strengthen institutional support, and enhance long-term agricultural resilience while supporting food security and rural livelihoods in Nigeria’s North-Central region.

Keywords: Climate change adaptation, agricultural resilience, smallholder farmers, Benue State, climate-smart agriculture, food security

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Agriculture is the core of the Nigerian economy, and one of the principal sources of income of more than 70 per cent of the rural population. Agriculture in the Nigerian geopolitical zone of North-Central (commonly known as the Food Basket of the Nation) Benue State is even more very significant. The state is known as having fertile soils, and growing of major staple crops like yam, cassava, maize, rice, sorghum, and beniseed, and the rearing of livestock. These operations will play significant roles in national food availability, state GDP, and employment. Yet, the Benue State is largely rain-fed with its agriculture being highly susceptible to the detrimental effects of climate change (Ikpe et al., 2023; Ikpe, 2025).

The process of climate change has been on the increase in the past few years which include rising temperature, irregular rainfall, extended dry spells, more frequent and intense flooding incidents and more pests and disease incidence. The result of these changes has been the low yield of crop production, land degradation, loss of pasture, and food security issues in Benue State. Research in 2023-2026 always indicates that extreme weather, especially flooding (that is frequent in riverine regions, such as Agatu and Guma) and drought, affect planting schedules and damages crops and productivity of the leading staples, such as maize, cassava, and yam (Adadu, 2024; Saleh, 2026; Achakpa,

An example would be drought which has been found to be the worst of all climatic stressors, with the highest vulnerability indices being registered on maize and cassava, and flooding Completely skewed towards maize and rice production. Higher temperatures increase heat stress on crops and livestock, decreasing yields and grain filling, and post-harvest losses. Other stressors like farmer-herder conflicts, open grazing, and limited access to modern inputs only intensify such effects, further eroding the agricultural resilience in the state (Ikpe et al., 2023; Adadu, 2024).

Large-scale farmers in Benue State have reacted, by implementing several climate change adaptation measures. Mixed cropping, early planting, application of organic and inorganic manure, planting of pest- and disease-resistant crop varieties, crop rotation and agro forestry (Alley cropping and tree integration), mulching and livelihood diversification are some of the common practices reported by recent empirical research. Mixed cropping was the top choice among the maize farmers, then there were early planting and use of manure. Adaptation and mitigation have also been implemented by Agroforestry practices in places such as Gwer East and Guma Local Government Area (Ikpe, 2025; Ekhuemelo, 2025; Anthony et al., 2025).

These efforts are not particularly successful because despite that, the level of adaptation in most communities is still relatively low because of poor awareness, access to climate information services, lack of extension support, financial retardation and institutional governance. Studies indicate that although teachers and some educated farmers are more enlightened, most of the smallholders farmers and fishermen are characterized by lower awareness and adoption levels of effective methods like irrigation, quality varieties and soil conservation methods. In the process of adoption, social networks (bonding and bridging ties), extension persons, and credit availability moderating influences play a critical role (Efut, 2025; Anthony et al., 2025).

The climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices are prioritized by national and state-level policies, such as the National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change in Nigeria (NASPA-CCN), the National Agricultural Resilience Framework, and the nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Nevertheless, there are still gaps in the implementation of climate action at the sub-national level, especially in Benue State because the governance of climate action has not yet been developed. The latest evaluations highlight systemic governance gaps that limit successful climate adaptation in agriculture, weakening the ability of farmers to go resilient (An Assessment of Climate Change Governance…, 2025).

Agricultural resilience in this regard means how farming systems, households and communities have the potential to anticipate, absorb, adapt and recover when there is a climate shock, and still continue to be productive and ensure food security. Developing this resilience involves an assortment of indigenous insights, advanced technologies (ex: drought-tolerant varieties, precision agriculture), enhancements in the water management process and enabling institutional frameworks. Climate change strategies and classification strategies in Benue State are therefore a pressing field to be investigated empirically, given the increasing fear regarding national food security and rural livelihoods (Ikpe et al., 2023; Ikpe, 2025; Anthony et al., 2025).

This research finds its home in the wider discussion on the effects of climate change in weak agro-ecological systems in sub-Saharan Africa where the results presented in this study are timely and region-specific to feed the policy and practice.

1.2 Problem Statement.

Although Benue State is strategically located with regard to food production in Nigeria, it is increasingly affected by climate variability and change thereby leading to low agricultural productivity, escalated food insecurity and low farmer incomes. Various climate changes, including frequent flooding, unpredictable rainfall, drought, and increased temperatures, have caused crop failures, loss of livestock, and degradation of land, which predominates among smallholder farmers who control the sector (Adadu, 2024; Saleh, 2026). Though multiple adaptation strategies are underway, their performance, uptake, and role in long-term resilience are yet to be properly reported, especially using more recent data (post-2022). Available literature tends to be national in scope or focused on a local government area, and few studies provide a comprehensive evaluation of the ways adaptation strategies can result in quantifiable resilience outcomes, including yield stability, income diversification, and household food security (Ikpe, 2025; Efut, 2025). In the absence of specific, currentized evidences, policymakers and extensions service would risk providing generic interventions that would not respond to the socio-economic and agro-ecological particularities of Benue State. This paper aims to fill this gap by investigating the nexus of climate change adaptation approaches and resilience of agriculture in the state.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to examine climate change adaptation strategies and their effects on agricultural resilience in Benue State.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Identify the major climate change impacts and challenges affecting agricultural production in Benue State.
2. Assess the types and extent of adaptation strategies adopted by smallholder farmers in Benue State.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of these adaptation strategies in enhancing agricultural resilience (yield stability, income, food security, and recovery capacity).
4. Examine the factors (socio-economic, institutional, and environmental) influencing the adoption and success of adaptation strategies.
5. Propose policy recommendations for scaling up effective climate-smart practices and strengthening agricultural resilience in Benue State.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are the major climate change impacts and challenges facing agricultural production in Benue State?
2. What adaptation strategies do smallholder farmers in Benue State employ to cope with climate change?
3. How effective are these adaptation strategies in building agricultural resilience?
4. What factors influence the adoption and outcomes of climate change adaptation strategies among farmers in the state?
5. What policy measures can enhance the effectiveness of adaptation strategies and promote long-term agricultural resilience in Benue State?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study will provide recent, empirical, and region-specific insights into climate adaptation and resilience in Benue State, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria (Ikpe, 2025; Anthony et al., 2025). The findings will be useful to policymakers in Benue State and federal agencies for designing targeted interventions, strengthening extension services, and improving climate governance. Development partners, NGOs, and agricultural research institutions will benefit from evidence-based recommendations for scaling successful practices. Academically, the study will serve as a reference for future research on climate change and rural livelihoods in similar agro-ecological zones.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on climate change adaptation strategies and agricultural resilience among smallholder farmers in selected local government areas of Benue State. It covers major crops (yam, cassava, maize, rice) and livestock production, with emphasis on recent climate events and adaptation practices from 2015 to 2026. The geographical scope is limited to Benue State, while the conceptual scope centers on key adaptation measures and resilience indicators such as productivity, food security, and recovery from shocks.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

The study relies on primary data from farmer surveys/interviews and secondary sources, which may be subject to recall bias or data availability issues. External factors such as farmer-herder conflicts and market fluctuations may influence results, though efforts will be made to account for them. The cross-sectional design may limit long-term causal inferences.

1.8 Definition of Terms

• Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: Actions taken by farmers to adjust to actual or expected climate conditions and reduce vulnerability (e.g., mixed cropping, early planting, improved varieties) (Ikpe, 2025).
• Agricultural Resilience: The capacity of agricultural systems and farming households to withstand, adapt to, and recover from climate-related shocks while sustaining productivity and livelihoods.
• Benue State: The study area in Nigeria’s North-Central region, known as the Food Basket of the Nation.
• Smallholder Farmers: Farmers cultivating less than 5 hectares, primarily for subsistence and local markets.

1.9 Organization of the Study

The study is organized into five chapters. Chapter One presents the introduction. Chapter Two reviews related literature and theoretical framework. Chapter Three describes the research methodology. Chapter Four presents data analysis and results. Chapter Five offers discussion, conclusions, and recommendations.

References

Achakpa, P. (2025). Assessment of climate change impacts on vulnerable populations in Benue State, North-Central Nigeria. Top African Journal of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences.

Adadu, Y. A. (2024). Impact of flooding on agricultural communities in Benue State, Nigeria. Advanced Agronomy Journal.

Anthony, A. I., Ejembi, S. A., & Otene, V. A. (2025). Assessment of adoption of climate smart agricultural practices among crop farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension and Economics Studies.

Efut, E. N. (2025). Climate change awareness and adaptation strategies of farmers, fishermen, and teachers in southeastern Nigeria. Discover Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44288-025-00254-y

Ekhuemelo, D. (2025). Climate change effects: Insights from agroforestry farmers in Gwer East, Benue State, Nigeria. Journal of Natural Resources and Farming.

Ikpe, E. (2025). Climate change adaptation strategies among maize farmers towards food security in selected local government areas of Benue State, Nigeria. Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences.

Ikpe, E., Patrick, U. I., & Jude, I. G. (2023). Assessment of farmers’ perceived impact of climate change on crop production and resilience toward food security in Benue State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Meteorology and Climate Science.

Saleh, N. (2026). Impact of climate change on agriculture and food security in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. International Multidisciplinary Research Journal.