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Indigenous innovations for climate change adaptation in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the level of awareness of Niger Delta communities about impacts of climate change and to identify and document indigenous innovations and practices for adaptation to climate change by farmers in the region. Three states were randomly selected from the nine states that make up the Niger Delta. Multistage sampling technique was used to interview 400 heads of farming households in Cross Rivers, Delta and Rivers States. Analysis of the data utilized simple descriptive statistics, while the results were presented as tables, figures and charts. Two single sex Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted in each of the survey states giving a total of six FGDs. Data from the FGDs complemented the survey results. Findings of this study showed that about 90 % of respondents were aware of climate change and its impacts. The results further indicate that the farmers have practiced some innovative indigenous measures for climate change adaptation for many years. It was also noted that the identified indigenous adaptive strategies which have Science, Technology and Innovation policy relevance could inform the design and implementation of future Agricultural, Development and Climate Change Policy in the region. Lastly, policy recommendations are made to improve climate change awareness and adaptation to climate change impacts in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

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Notes

  1. Aladimma refers to a community forum that sees that there is order in the land. Aladimma is for this reason the highest political, governance and social forum for every Igbo community, where important decisions are taken. It comprises all adult males and sometimes females of the native community and is led by the elders drawn from the heads of the family units, who act as official representatives of their family groups. For a more detailed examination of the role of the Aladimma Institution in natural resources management and conflict resolution, traditional environmental governance and justice dispensation in Igboland, see Njoku 2008; Uwah 2011).

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Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the comments of two anonymous reviewers which have improved the content and presentation of the paper. This paper was produced as part of the implementation of the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) Phase VI Strategic Plan, 2008–2012 funded by ATPS Donors including the Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken (DGIS) the Netherlands, Rockefeller Foundation, among others. The authors hereby thank the ATPS for the financial and technical support during the implementation of the program. The Authors specially thank the ATPS Climate Sense Program Director, Prof. Kevin Urama (ATPS); and the Program Coordinators including Prof. Francis Mutua (ATPS Kenya); Prof. George Essegbgey (ATPS Ghana); Prof. Eric Eboh (ATPS Nigeria); Dr. Nicholas Ozor (ATPS); and Ms. Wairimu Mwangi (ATPS) for their technical support during the research process. This paper was presented at the first Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-1) Conference, 17-19 October 2011 at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Support of the African Climate Policy Centre (ACPC) toward participation at the event is also acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Thaddeus C. Nzeadibe

  2. Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Chukwudumebi L. Egbule & Agwu E. Agwu

  3. Department of Agricultural Economics, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Nnaemeka A. Chukwuone

  4. Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, Nafisah Plaza, Plot 502, Off Constitution Avenue, Central Business Area, Abuja, Nigeria

    Victoria C. Agu

Authors
  1. Thaddeus C. Nzeadibe
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  2. Chukwudumebi L. Egbule
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  3. Nnaemeka A. Chukwuone
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  4. Agwu E. Agwu
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  5. Victoria C. Agu
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Correspondence to Thaddeus C. Nzeadibe.

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Nzeadibe, T.C., Egbule, C.L., Chukwuone, N.A. et al. Indigenous innovations for climate change adaptation in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Environ Dev Sustain 14, 901–914 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-012-9359-3

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