Abstract:
Africa is one of the most prone continents to climate change impacts because of its
dependence on climate sensitive sectors including rain-fed agriculture. Recent studies
predicted that global agricultural share to GDP could shrink by 4 percent due to climate
change by 2100. Hence, the study examined the role of indigenous knowledge on climate
change adaptation in agriculture in Sabo Gari LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria where little
documentation has been done. Using a cross-sectional design, five villages were
purposively selected whereby 30 households were randomly selected from each village
making 150 respondents in total. Household surveys and key informant interviews were
used in data collection. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Quantitative
data were analysed through a Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Both descriptive and
inferential statistical analyses were done whilst, qualitative data were analysed through
content analysis. The study showed a high level of climate change awareness among the
farmers. Negative effects of climate change include drought, irregular rains, crop pests
and diseases. Indigenous adaptation strategies used in the study area include crop rotation,
application of farmyard manure, irrigation, mixed cropping, wood ash application and
intercropping whereby, application of farmyard manure ranked highest strategy for
climate adaptation but mainly for poor households. Farmers also have the ability to use
their indigenous knowledge to predict weather conditions. Marital status significantly
enhanced the use of FYM while age of the farmer significantly constrained the use of
farmyard manure. In conclusion, indigenous practises are very effective in adapting to
climate change and still being practised by farmers in the study area in improving their
agricultural productivity. Therefore, it is recommended that research institutions and
policy makers, should promote the use of indigenous adaptation strategies.
