Assessment of climate variability and effective coping strategies used by rice farmers in Abuja, Nigeria

The study is on the assessment of climate variability and effective coping strategies used by rice farmers in Abuja Nigeria. Climate variability issues have been discussed in the media currently because of its important to agriculture. This study was guided by four objectives. The primary data were collected using 200 well-structured questionnaires and multistage sampling techniques from 2 rural communities (Dobi and Dukpa) in the study area. Analyses of data were carried out using descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequency while coping strategies used by rice farmers were achieved using coping strategies index (CSI). Majority (45%) of the rice farmers between the ages of 41- 50 (88%) were married. The study has identified that climate variability has effects on rice production; multiple coping strategies were used by rice farmers in the study area to cope with climate variability and the most effective coping strategies used by farmers are the Adjustment of rice planting calendar based on the onset of the rain and Adoption of recommended improved rice production strategies from all the multiple coping strategies. Therefore the study recommended the following: training on soil and water management in rice production is essential factor in averting the adverse effect of rainfall variability on national rice yield. There is need for government at all levels to engage extension agents who should teach farmers the climate friendly practices that mitigate climate variability and also disseminates the most effective coping strategies to farmers. Plant breeders should help to develop rice varieties that can survive higher flood, drought, pest and diseases resistant.