ABSTRACT

This study assessed the effect of climate change and adaptation measures on agroforestry production in rural communities around Ukpom Bende Forest Reserve, Abia State, Nigeria. The * study involved the random selection of 80 rural farmers whom were above 25years and had resided in the area within 25years and above. Information were gathered with the aid of questionnaires administered to rural farmers in the selected communities (Ukpom, Isinkpu, Ndiokorukwu and Okporo-enyi). Descriptive statistics such as percentages, means, charts and tables were usedfor data analysis. The results revealed that there exist a variation of0.78°Cfor maximum and 1.63°Cfor minimum average temperatures, 2.51mm for minimum and 40.05mm for maximum average precipitation, and a variation of 12.42% for minimum and 7.17%> for maximum average relative humidity in Bende Local Government Area, Abia State. August and September was identified as the months with highest precipitation, -.February experienced the . highest temperature and October was identified as the month with the highest relative humidity over a period of10 years (2010 — 2020) in the area. Majority ofthefarmers (>50%) were aware of climate change and its effects on agroforestry activities. The study indicates that majority (81.25%>) of the respondents had no access to extension services. Results showed a general moderate effect with an average mean score (3.31) on extent of climate change factors on farming activities, but identified erratic rainfall, frequent outbreak of diseases, increase temperature, landslide, soil erosion and degradation asfactors posing severe effects on farming activities in the area. Majority ofrespondents indicates shift in planting date, regular weeding, tree planting, and diversification ofsources oflivelihoods, mulching, 'and practice ofintegrated pest management as major adaptation measures on climate change effects, with a high level of adaptative capacity and mean scores >4.60. The results also indicates regular weeding, crop rotation, mixedfarming, rainwater harvesting andpractice ofintegratedpest management as the most practiced adaptive measures by farmers in the area with mean scores >3.50. The effect of climatic variations on agroforestry activities led to decrease in harvest andproductivity ofboth tree andfood crops, increase in pest and disease of both plants and livestock in the area. The study recommends that farmers should be provided with adequate extension service, financial and technical support, promoting of climate smart agricultural and forestry techniques and implementing policies that support sustainable and resilient agroforestry practices and systems, to enable farmers adapt to the changing climate conditions in the area.