Study of the Hydroclimatic Information Needs of Rural Farmers in Aba Agricultural Zone of Abia State, Nigeria
Adejoh, S.O.
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Chikaire, J.U. *
Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Yusuf, A.T.
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Kayode, A.O.
Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
Ndukwe, H.O
Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This research examined the hydroclimatic information requirements of farmers in the Aba Agricultural zone of Abia State, Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling method, data were gathered from 140 participants across three Local Government Areas in the zone via structured questionnaires. The collected data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, including mean, percentage, and frequency distribution tables. The study aimed to achieve several objectives: to pinpoint the sources of information regarding climate issues; to identify the hydroclimatic information necessities of the respondents; and to explore the perceived barriers to accessing hydroclimatic information. It was found that the respondents were aware of climate change, with radio, cooperative society, village meetings, fellow farmers, and extension agents being their primary sources of information. In contrast, the main climatic sign experienced by the farmers was an increase in temperature (62.9%) among others. The most significant hydroclimatic information needed in the study areas was related to the timing of rainfall (\(\bar{x}\)=3.36), along with the timing of high temperatures and guidance on when to plant. It was recommended that government agencies establish a hydroclimatic information system, provide training and capacity development, collaborate with extension services, and implement monitoring and evaluation practices.
Keywords: Hydro-climate, agriculture, information, farmers