Browsing by Author "Olooto FM, OJ Yusuf, IF Ayanda, OL Salawu"

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    PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON VEGETABLE PRODUCTION AMONG WOMEN FARMERS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA.
    (International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch, 2018) Olooto FM, OJ Yusuf, IF Ayanda, OL Salawu
    Women are key players in the agricultural sector of most developing countries of the world, with vegetable being a common crop they cultivate. Vegetables are one of the best resources for overcoming micronutrient deficiencies and providing smallholder farmers with much higher income per hectare than other staple crops. A significant change in climate on a global scale will impact vegetable cultivation and agriculture as a whole. This study assessed the perceived effect of climate change on vegetable production among women farmers in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State that is known predominantly for vegetable production. Five communities were randomly selected while 156 women were randomly selected from a list of registered women farmers in the study area. Structured interview schedule was used to obtain information from the women on their experiences and climate change impacts on vegetable production. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, Chi-square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The study revealed that the women are involved in production of various vegetables such as amaranth, cochorus, celosia, bitter leaf, water leaf, tomatoes, pepper, pumpkin and okro. Respondents reported noticeable changes in the rainfall pattern which has resulted in the women adopting various strategies to cope with the situation. Early planting (28.8%), irrigation (50.6%) and planting many vegetables instead of one (16.0%) were some of the coping strategies the women engaged on their vegetable farms. Majority (95%) of the women perceived climate change as a huge challenge and opportunity to learn more about their environment.