ADAPTATION STRATEGIES ON CLIMATE CHANGE IN MANGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

Climate change is an environmental, social and economic challenge on a global scale. This study examines public perception on climate change and adaptation strategies in Mangu LGA. Twenty-seven years secondary data on rainfall and Temperature were used along with 200 questionnaires randomly distributed in Mangu LGA. The research made used of descriptive statistical technique on primary and secondary data depicted in graphs, tables and charts. Results shows that 56% of the respondents were male, majority of the respondents (50.2%) and had tertiary education. In terms of climate change knowledge, findings show that 52.8% of the respondents were of the opinion that the present climate is moderate and that it is increasing gradually due to Climate change. 39.4% of the respondents attributed the climate change to global warming linked to natural factor (54.4%) and human factor (38.9%). Respondents opined that the impact of climate change is felt more on food production and biodiversity. A cross section tabulation of demographic characteristics revealed that perception on local climate change is corroborated more with the age grade 60years and above. It was seen that respondents with tertiary level of education has a better understanding of climate change issues in Mangu LGA than those of lower level of education. The 52.8% of respondents were of the opinion that climate change leads to decrease in crop yields. Some of the adaptation strategies practiced in the study area includes cultivation of crops that are tolerant to low moisture requirement, increased fertilizer usage and cultivation of different crop varieties. The study concludes that climate change knowledge is rather poor among the people in Mangu LGA. It is therefore recommended that there is need to introduce climate change courses in primary schools’ curriculum and organize sensitization programmes on climate change in the study area to create awareness and enlighten the general public on climate change.