IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES AMONG PASTORALISTS AT THE LADDUGA (KACHIA) GRAZING RESERVE IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper assessed the impact of climate change and adaptation strategies among pastoralists in Kachia
grazing reserve in Kaduna State. A Focal Group Discussion and structured questionnaire were used to
interview 120 randomly selected pastoralists to obtain the data, which were analysed using descriptive
statistics and logit model to ascertain the level of awareness of pastoralists to climate change, the sources
of Information about climate change, the determinants of pastoralists adaptation to climate change, and the
impact of climate variability and adaptation strategies by the pastoralists. The results indicate that over 80%
of the respondents are aware of climate change. This high level of awareness was due to the influence of
radio on the lives of the pastoralists, extension activities of the National Livestock Project Division (NLPD)
and through personal observation by the respondents. Age of the pastoralists, animal rearing experience,
membership of cooperative society and education level have significant impact on pastoralists adaptation
to climate change. Disease condition of the heard due to increased rainfall which favours the growth of
disease causing microorganisms is one of the adverse impact of climate variability. The major adaptation
techniques employed by the pastoralists to deal with the problem is through adequate treatment and
medication as reported by about 65% of the respondents. Other measures include: harvesting of forage
material for use during the dry season and movement to the fadama areas where fodder and water are
available and the purchase of fodder materials supplied from within and outside the reserve. Therefore,
Government policies and investment strategies must support education, extension services and information
about adaptation to climate change.