Effect of Action Against Hunger intervention on crop farmers' production level in climate change affected areas of Kita, Kayes region of Mali

Cereal crop production in Kita, Kayes region of Mali is on a serious decline due to climate change effects. Hence, Action Against Hunger (AAH) intervention was launched towards addressing climate change effects in Kita in view of increasing level of agricultural production and standard of living of the local farmers. Therefore, the study examined the effect of AAH intervention on crop farmers' production. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 223 from 1,226 beneficiaries of AAH intervention in Kita circle while 101 non-beneficiaries were randomly selected from Bafoulabé circle where no similar projects were going on. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using frequency counts, mean, charts and percentages. Chi-square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation were used to determine relationships between relevant variables. T-test was used to determine significant difference between beneficiaries' level of production before and after intervention and between beneficiaries' and non-beneficiaries' level of production after intervention. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine significant contribution of the independent variables to dependant variable. Attitude towards AAH intervention (r=0.198, p<0.05) had significant relationship with change in beneficiaries' production. Significant difference existed between level of production of beneficiaries before - =2138.6748 and after =2445.6098 intervention (t=11.929, p<0.01) but the level of change was low (65.0%). Difference also exists between beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries level of production. Major determinants of change in level of production were monthly income (β= 0.499, p<0.01) and farm size (β=0.374, p<0.01)

Factors Influencing Maize Production in Sikasso Region of Mali

In recent times, there has been decline in maize production in Mali due to several factors; one of which is that of access to inputs such as fertilizer and improved seeds. Hence, this study examined the contribution of subsidized inputs to farmers’ level of maize production in Sikasso region of Mali.  A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 200 beneficiaries of input subsidy for this study. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data which was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as Chi-square, Pearson Product Moment Correction (PPMC), ANOVA and regression at 0.05 significant levels. Results reveal beneficiaries’ mean age to be 48.50±12.63 years. Almost all (99.0%) beneficiaries were males and married, 92.5% were Muslims, while 63.5% had informal education. Mean farm size and mean seasonal income was 3.18±2.72 ha and 259,250±286,592.90 Fcfa respectively. Subsidized inputs that are mostly used and accessed by beneficiaries are UREA and NPK fertilizers, while DAP, organic fertilizer and hybrid seeds were least accessed and used. Inadequate financial capability to purchase inputs despite being subsidized and insufficiency of inputs are the major constraint faced by beneficiaries. Farm size (r=0.57, p<0.01) and income (r=0.271, p<0.01) significantly related to respondents’ production level. Significant difference exists in the level of maize production among beneficiaries’ groups (f=8.646, p<0.01). Farm size and income were significant predictors of production level. The study concludes that farm size and farmers’ income contributed more to farmers’ level of maize production. This study recommends that credit should be made available to maize farmers by government, NGOs or other financial institutions with little or no collateral. Also, hybrid seeds that could be preserved till the next planting season should be developed so that farmers’ utilization of hybrid seeds will be encouraged. Keywords: Inputs, subsidy, maize production, farmer

Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change among Cereal Crop Farmers in Kita, Kayes Region of Mali

This study examined adaptation strategies to climate change among crop farmers in Kita, Kayes region of Mali. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 109 respondents for this study. Structured interview schedule was used to elicit responses from respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics - mean and percentages and inferential statistics - Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Respondents were mostly male (58.7%), married (93.6%) and had no formal education (87.2%). Average age, household size, farming experience and output were 45.28±14.78 years, 16.70±10.65 persons. 29.70±13.75 years and 2,335.77±2,139.41kg, respectively. Respondents primarily engage in crop farming (100.0%) with majority producing at the subsistence level (99.1%) using sole cropping pattern (94.5%). Information sources on climate change effects were NGOs (90.8%) and friends/relatives (39.4%). Knowledge of climate change effects was high (76.4%) and prominent adaptation strategies used were timely planting (  =1.93) and planting of short cycled seed (  =1.12). Establishing cereal banks (98.4%), building and maintenance of small dams (95.9%), diversifying agricultural production (72.4%) and strengthening early warning systems (70.7%) were never used by most respondents. None of the respondents ever employed the use of zaï, half-moon (demi-lune) and stone cord as an adaptation strategies owing to inadequate financial capability. Significant relationship existed between farm size (r=0.201, p<0.05), household size (r=0.310, p<0.05),  sources of information (r=0.447, p<0.05), knowledge (r=0.326, p<0.05) and adaptation strategies. The study recommends that efforts be made by government and NGOs to disseminate and monitor farmers’ use of sustainable adaptation strategies so that substantial increase in production can be attained. Keywords: Adaptation strategies, Climate change, Cereal farmers, Mal

Factors Influencing Maize Production in Sikasso Region of Mali

In recent times, there has been decline in maize production in Mali due to several factors; one of which is that of access to inputs such as fertilizer and improved seeds. Hence, this study examined the contribution of subsidized inputs to farmers’ level of maize production in Sikasso region of Mali.  A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 200 beneficiaries of input subsidy for this study. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data which was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as Chi-square, Pearson Product Moment Correction (PPMC), ANOVA and regression at 0.05 significant levels. Results reveal beneficiaries’ mean age to be 48.50±12.63 years. Almost all (99.0%) beneficiaries were males and married, 92.5% were Muslims, while 63.5% had informal education. Mean farm size and mean seasonal income was 3.18±2.72 ha and 259,250±286,592.90 Fcfa respectively. Subsidized inputs that are mostly used and accessed by beneficiaries are UREA and NPK fertilizers, while DAP, organic fertilizer and hybrid seeds were least accessed and used. Inadequate financial capability to purchase inputs despite being subsidized and insufficiency of inputs are the major constraint faced by beneficiaries. Farm size (r=0.57, p<0.01) and income (r=0.271, p<0.01) significantly related to respondents’ production level. Significant difference exists in the level of maize production among beneficiaries’ groups (f=8.646, p<0.01). Farm size and income were significant predictors of production level. The study concludes that farm size and farmers’ income contributed more to farmers’ level of maize production. This study recommends that credit should be made available to maize farmers by government, NGOs or other financial institutions with little or no collateral. Also, hybrid seeds that could be preserved till the next planting season should be developed so that farmers’ utilization of hybrid seeds will be encouraged. Keywords: Inputs, subsidy, maize production, farmer

Perceived Effect of Climate Change on Forest Dependent Livelihoods in Oyo State, Nigeria

This study investigated the perceived effect of climate change on forest dependent rural livelihoods in Oyo State, Nigeria with the view of identifying possible adaptation strategies. A total of 208 respondents were randomly sampled from Olokemeji and Onigambari forest reserves in Oluyole and Ibarapa East LGA, respectively. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency distribution, percentages and inferential statistical tools such as Chi square and PPMC. Result shows that most farmers were males (68.3%), married (85.6%), had primary education (63.0%), Christians (68.3%), had farm size less than 5ha (98.6%), while 45.7% earned up to 20,000 monthly. Major livelihood activity was farming (100.0%) and trading of forest products (92.8%). Respondents were vulnerable to climate change effects with respect to undefined season (90.4%), shortage of food production (84.1%), reduction in crop yield (80.8%), pest and disease outbreak (77.9%) which affects their livelihood activities. Respondents’ perception of climate change effects was high (74.8%) and the level of adaptation strategies utilized is more than average (53.6%). Major adaptation strategies utilized were soil protection through tree planting (88.5%), planting of different varieties of NTFPs and TFPs (87.0%), practicing shifting cultivation (81.8%) and use of organic fertilizer (81.7%). Respondents indicate that change in rainfall pattern (61.1%), storm (49.0), flooding (48.1%) and landslide (45.7%) had serious effect on their livelihood activities. Significant relationship existed between farm size (r=-0.257; p<0.01), monthly income (r=-0.319; p<0.01) and perceived effect of climate change. Adaptation strategies (r=0.309; p<0.05) used was significantly related with perceived effect of climate change. Afforestation should be encouraged among forest dependent farmers in addition to adaptation strategies utilised against climate change. Keywords: Climate change, livelihood activities, forest product

Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change among Cereal Crop Farmers in Kita, Kayes Region of Mali

This study examined adaptation strategies to climate change among crop farmers in Kita, Kayes region of Mali. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 109 respondents for this study. Structured interview schedule was used to elicit responses from respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics - mean and percentages and inferential statistics - Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Respondents were mostly male (58.7%), married (93.6%) and had no formal education (87.2%). Average age, household size, farming experience and output were 45.28±14.78 years, 16.70±10.65 persons. 29.70±13.75 years and 2,335.77±2,139.41kg, respectively. Respondents primarily engage in crop farming (100.0%) with majority producing at the subsistence level (99.1%) using sole cropping pattern (94.5%). Information sources on climate change effects were NGOs (90.8%) and friends/relatives (39.4%). Knowledge of climate change effects was high (76.4%) and prominent adaptation strategies used were timely planting (  =1.93) and planting of short cycled seed (  =1.12). Establishing cereal banks (98.4%), building and maintenance of small dams (95.9%), diversifying agricultural production (72.4%) and strengthening early warning systems (70.7%) were never used by most respondents. None of the respondents ever employed the use of zaï, half-moon (demi-lune) and stone cord as an adaptation strategies owing to inadequate financial capability. Significant relationship existed between farm size (r=0.201, p<0.05), household size (r=0.310, p<0.05),  sources of information (r=0.447, p<0.05), knowledge (r=0.326, p<0.05) and adaptation strategies. The study recommends that efforts be made by government and NGOs to disseminate and monitor farmers’ use of sustainable adaptation strategies so that substantial increase in production can be attained. Keywords: Adaptation strategies, Climate change, Cereal farmers, Mal

Perceived Effect of Climate Change on Forest Dependent Livelihoods in Oyo State, Nigeria

This study investigated the perceived effect of climate change on forest dependent rural livelihoods in Oyo State, Nigeria with the view of identifying possible adaptation strategies. A total of 208 respondents were randomly sampled from Olokemeji and Onigambari forest reserves in Oluyole and Ibarapa East LGA, respectively. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency distribution, percentages and inferential statistical tools such as Chi square and PPMC. Result shows that most farmers were males (68.3%), married (85.6%), had primary education (63.0%), Christians (68.3%), had farm size less than 5ha (98.6%), while 45.7% earned up to 20,000 monthly. Major livelihood activity was farming (100.0%) and trading of forest products (92.8%). Respondents were vulnerable to climate change effects with respect to undefined season (90.4%), shortage of food production (84.1%), reduction in crop yield (80.8%), pest and disease outbreak (77.9%) which affects their livelihood activities. Respondents’ perception of climate change effects was high (74.8%) and the level of adaptation strategies utilized is more than average (53.6%). Major adaptation strategies utilized were soil protection through tree planting (88.5%), planting of different varieties of NTFPs and TFPs (87.0%), practicing shifting cultivation (81.8%) and use of organic fertilizer (81.7%). Respondents indicate that change in rainfall pattern (61.1%), storm (49.0), flooding (48.1%) and landslide (45.7%) had serious effect on their livelihood activities. Significant relationship existed between farm size (r=-0.257; p<0.01), monthly income (r=-0.319; p<0.01) and perceived effect of climate change. Adaptation strategies (r=0.309; p<0.05) used was significantly related with perceived effect of climate change. Afforestation should be encouraged among forest dependent farmers in addition to adaptation strategies utilised against climate change. Keywords: Climate change, livelihood activities, forest product