Research on World Agricultural Economy

Climate Change Information and Potato Production in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Emeka Emmanuel Osuji

Department of Agriculture, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Nigeria

Igwe Ikenna Ukoha

Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

Maryann Nnenna Osuji

Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

Innocent Uche Ojoko Nwaiwu

Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

Glory Nkiruka Ben-Chendo

Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

Eberechi Rosemary Keyagha

Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

Chinaekwu Odinakachi Cookey

Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

Esther Ugochukwu Nwachukwu

Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

Chizoma Olivia Osuagwu

Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Owerri-Port Harcourt Road, Umuagwo Ohaji, Owerri PMB 1038, Imo State, Nigeria

Kelechi Thankgod Ezirim

Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

Ojochenemi Idoko

Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba PMB 1008, Kogi State, Nigeria

Peter Agu Onoh

Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

ernadine Ngozi Aririguzo

Department of Soil Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

Rosemond Adaohuru Alagba

Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

Chidinma Adanna Peter-Onoh

Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

Iheoma Ezichi Mbuka-Nwosu

Department of Environmental Management, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

Emmanuel Emenganha Ihem

Department of Soil Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

Christian Ngozichukwu Anyanwu

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri PMB 1526, Imo State, Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i2.1730

Received: 13 February 2025 | Revised: 24 March 2025 | Accepted: 27 March 2025 | Published Online: 30 May 2025

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Abstract

The study examined climate change information and potato production in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. About 96 potato farmers were selected using a purposive method. Primary information on the objectives of the study was collected with questionnaire and analysed using percentages, charts, and the probit regression model. The results show that potato farmers were of a productive age, married, experienced, and relatively educated. Most of the potato growers (90.6%) were highly aware of the changing climate disturbance. Radio (97.9%), fellow farmers (98.9%), workshops/training (91.7%), and newspapers (10.4%) formed sources of climate information. The farmers’ adaptation strategies were modifying planting dates (77.1%), using drought-resistant varieties (86.5%), applying irrigation methods (54.2%), diversifying crops (97.9%), practising crop rotation (93.8%) and organic farming (98.9%). Probit regression analysis indicated that education (P < 0.01), household size (P < 0.01), farming experience (P < 0.01), access to early climate change information (P < 0.01), and extension contacts (P < 0.1) were favourable determinants. In conclusion, potato farmers faced several challenges including climate-related issues, pests and diseases, limited resources and credit access, soil quality and fertility problems, and market fluctuations. The study's originality stems from its research survey in linking climate information to potato production and advancing potato farmers' knowledge. The study recommended the implementation of educational programs that focus on climate change awareness, sustainable farming practices, and the use of climate-smart technologies and seeking early climate information and extension services in improving crop performance.

Keywords: Climate Change; Information; Potato Production; Household Farmers

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