Abstract:
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. |
