Project – Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Cassava Production in Rural Communities of Benue State

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the most important staple food crops in Nigeria, serving as a major source of calories for millions of rural and urban households. Nigeria is recognized as the largest producer of cassava globally, contributing over 20% of world output (FAO, 2023). The crop is versatile, resilient, and adaptable to a wide range of climatic conditions, making it a major livelihood source for smallholder farmers in rural areas. In Benue State—often referred to as the “food basket of the nation”—cassava plays a central role in food security, income generation, and agro-industrial development. However, in recent years, the impacts of climate change have posed significant threats to cassava production and rural livelihoods.

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, and the frequency of extreme weather events due to natural variability and human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrialization (IPCC, 2021). Nigeria, like many sub-Saharan African countries, is highly vulnerable to climate change because of its heavy dependence on rain-fed agriculture, limited adaptive capacity, and high levels of poverty among rural farmers (Nwafor, 2020). In Benue State, the effects of climate variability—ranging from prolonged dry spells, irregular rainfall, increased flooding, and rising temperatures—have disrupted agricultural cycles and reduced crop yields (Aondoakaa & Ikyernum, 2022).

Cassava, although drought-tolerant, is not immune to the adverse effects of climate extremes. Variations in rainfall and temperature influence its growth cycle, tuber formation, and susceptibility to pests and diseases. For example, excessive rainfall and flooding can cause waterlogging, which hampers root development, while extended dry periods reduce soil moisture and hinder tuber enlargement (Egesi et al., 2021). Moreover, climate change has also influenced the spread of cassava mosaic and brown streak diseases, further threatening production levels (FAO, 2023).

In rural communities of Benue State, where agriculture constitutes the primary source of livelihood, these climatic shifts have direct implications for food security, income, and overall socio-economic stability. Smallholder farmers, who rely largely on traditional farming methods, face increasing uncertainty regarding planting and harvesting periods (Olayide et al., 2020). Inadequate access to meteorological information, poor extension services, and limited use of improved cassava varieties exacerbate their vulnerability. Consequently, understanding how climate change affects cassava production is critical for designing effective adaptation strategies and ensuring sustainable agricultural development in Benue’s rural areas.

Furthermore, climate change has broader implications beyond crop yield reduction. It affects soil fertility, increases post-harvest losses, and destabilizes local food markets (Onyemachi & Edeh, 2023). With Benue State being one of the largest producers of cassava in Nigeria, any significant decline in production due to climatic factors could have far-reaching effects on the state’s economy and national food supply chain. This study, therefore, seeks to assess the extent to which climate change influences cassava production in rural communities of Benue State, with a view to providing evidence-based recommendations for adaptation and resilience building.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Agricultural productivity in Benue State has been experiencing fluctuations in recent years, with smallholder cassava farmers reporting unpredictable yields and declining returns. While cassava has traditionally been known for its resilience to harsh environmental conditions, increasing climatic instability—manifested in erratic rainfall, drought, and flooding—has begun to compromise this advantage (Ozor & Umunakwe, 2020). The once predictable planting and harvesting seasons have become inconsistent, making it difficult for farmers to plan effectively.

Flooding along the River Benue and its tributaries has destroyed farmlands in local government areas such as Makurdi, Guma, and Logo, while prolonged dry spells in other parts of the state have led to crop failure and reduced soil moisture retention. These changes have also affected the prevalence of pests and diseases, thereby worsening the situation for rural cassava farmers (Aondover et al., 2021). Moreover, the adaptive capacity of farmers remains low due to limited access to credit facilities, inadequate climate information, and poor agricultural extension services.

Despite the increasing awareness of climate change, there remains a gap in empirical research assessing its specific impact on cassava production in rural Benue State. Most available studies focus on general agricultural impacts without isolating cassava, which is a critical crop for food and income security. This knowledge gap has hindered the development of targeted adaptation strategies that could help farmers mitigate losses and improve resilience. Therefore, a systematic assessment of the relationship between climate change variables—such as rainfall, temperature, and extreme weather events—and cassava output in rural Benue communities is necessary to inform sustainable agricultural planning and policy formulation.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of climate change on cassava production in rural communities of Benue State.
The specific objectives are to:

1. Examine the effects of temperature and rainfall variations on cassava yield in rural Benue communities.

2. Determine the extent to which extreme weather events (such as droughts and floods) affect cassava production and productivity.

3. Assess the adaptive strategies employed by cassava farmers in mitigating the effects of climate change.

4. Recommend effective policy measures to enhance the resilience of cassava farmers to climate change.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions guide the study:

1. How do temperature and rainfall variations affect cassava yield in rural communities of Benue State?

2. What is the effect of extreme weather events on cassava production?

3. What adaptation strategies are cassava farmers employing to cope with climate change?

4. What measures can improve the resilience of cassava production in Benue State?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

To guide this study, the following hypothesis is formulated:

• H₀: There is no significant relationship between climate change variables (temperature, rainfall, and extreme weather events) and cassava production in rural communities of Benue State.

• H₁: There is a significant relationship between climate change variables (temperature, rainfall, and extreme weather events) and cassava production in rural communities of Benue State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides empirical data on how climate change affects cassava production in rural Benue, filling a gap in local agricultural research. Secondly, the findings will assist policymakers, agricultural planners, and extension workers in developing climate-resilient farming practices tailored to cassava farmers. Thirdly, it will guide non-governmental organizations and donor agencies in designing effective capacity-building programs for rural farmers. Lastly, the study will contribute to academic knowledge by expanding the literature on climate change and food security in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on selected rural communities in Benue State where cassava farming is a dominant economic activity. Climatic variables such as rainfall, temperature, and extreme weather events will be examined in relation to cassava yield, production patterns, and adaptation measures. The temporal scope covers the period between 2010 and 2024, reflecting recent climatic trends and production data.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

• Climate Change: Long-term alteration of temperature and precipitation patterns caused by natural and human-induced factors.

• Cassava Production: The process of cultivating, harvesting, and processing cassava tubers for food and industrial use.

• Adaptation Strategies: Methods or practices adopted by farmers to minimize the negative effects of climate change.

• Extreme Weather Events: Unusual climatic occurrences such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves that disrupt agricultural activities.

Project – Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Cassava Production in Rural Communities of Benue State