Vulnerability of rice farmers to pressure of climate change and the agricultural market in Benue State, Nigeria

Rice production in Nigeria is vulnerable to combined climate change and agricultural market dynamics. Yet, the experiences and adaptive practices of local rice farmers have been scarcely considered in the development of... [ view full abstract ]

Rice production in Nigeria is vulnerable to combined climate change and agricultural market dynamics. Yet, the experiences and adaptive practices of local rice farmers have been scarcely considered in the development of climate change and agricultural policies in the country. We conducted 62 face-to-face interviews with small-and large-holding rice producers in three different local government areas in Benue State, Nigeria. By applying the Vulnerability Scoping Diagram, this dataset enables us to assess the components of rice farmers’ differentiated exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. We find that farmers engage in a range of adaptive responses, which include planting early maturing, high yielding and drought resistant varieties; applying local water control techniques such as digging of ridges or dykes as well as construction of water channel; planting varieties that are highly demanded on the market; avoiding floods or droughts susceptible rice fields or areas; regular visits to rice farms; entering associations such as farming and marketing programmes; adapting the timing of crop selling to achieve higher prices. We also find that combinations of these measures may be costs effective, and that, in the absence of government supports to local producers, they are often easier to implement than investments in structural measures aimed at reducing exposure or sensitivity to the effects of climate change and markets. This study confirms the strategic importance of understanding local farmers’ perspectives and adaptation strategies. Such understanding can increase the effectiveness of policies aimed at enhancing resilience of rice value chains to the pressures of climate change and markets in low income regions.