ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AMONG CASSAVA FARMERS IN YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Cassava is a cornerstone of food security and livelihoods in Nigeria, a country highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This study assessed the adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices among rural cassava farmers in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 150 cassava farmers, and data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the most available CSA practices included the use of improved cassava varieties (96%), crop rotation (90%), and mulching (85%). Similarly, the most widely adopted practices were improved varieties (88%) and crop rotation (75%). The key perceived benefits of adopting these practices included increased yield (92%), improved soil fertility (85%), and enhanced resilience to drought conditions (80%). However, the study identified major constraints to adoption, including limited access to credit (89%), inadequate knowledge of complex CSA practices (78%), and high labor requirements (70%). The study concludes that overcoming these challenges through targeted policy interventions—such as improving farmers’ access to credit facilities and strengthening agricultural extension services—is essential for promoting wider adoption of CSA practices and enhancing climate resilience in cassava-based farming systems in Nigeria.