Farmers' Perception of Climate
Change Governance and Adaptation
Constraints in Niger Delta Region of
Nigeria
African Technology Policy Studies Network

RESEARCH PAPER | No. 7
Thaddeus Chidi Nzeadibe
Chukwudumebi L. Egbule
Nnaemeka A. Chukwuone
Victoria Chinwe Agu

Farmers' Perception of Climate Change
Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger
Delta Region of Nigeria

Thaddeus Chidi Nzeadibe
University of Nigeria Nsukka,
Enugu State, Nigeria

Nnaemeka A. Chukwuone
University of Nigeria Nsukka,
Enugu State, Nigeria

Chukwudumebi L. Egbule
University of Nigeria, Nsukka,
Enugu State, Nigeria

Victoria Chinwe Agu
National Fadama Coordination Office
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water
Resources, Abuja., Nigeria

The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is amulti-disciplinary network of researchers, private sector actors
and policy makers promoting the generation, dissemination,
use and mastery of science, technology and innovation (ST&I)
for African development, environmental sustainability andglobal inclusion. ATPS intends to achieve its mandate throughresearch, capacity building and training, science
communication/dissemination and sensitization, participatory
multi-stakeholder dialogue, knowledge brokerage, and policy
advocacy.
Published by the African Technology Policy Studies Network
P O Box 10081, 00100 GPO Nairobi Kenya
2011

Published by the African Technology Policy Studies Network

ISBN: 978-9966-030-02-3

Table of Contents
Acknowledgement

4

Abstract5

List of Acronyms & Abbreviation

6

1.

Introduction

7

2.

Literature Review

8

3.

Methodology

11

4.

Results & Findings

14

5.

Summary19

References

21

Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria | 3

Acknowledgement
This report was produced as part of the implementation of the ATPS Phase VI Strategic Plan, 20082012 funded by ATPS Donors including the Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken (DGIS) the
Netherlands, and the Rockefeller Foundation, amongst others. The authors hereby thank the ATPS
for the financial and technical support during the implementation of the program. The Authors
particularly thank the ATPS Climate Sense Program Director, Dr. Kevin Urama (ATPS); and theProgram Coordinators including Prof. Francis Mutua (ATPS Kenya); Dr. George Essegbey (ATPS
Ghana), Prof. Eric Eboh (ATPS Nigeria), Dr. Nicholas Ozor (ATPS), and Ms. Wairimu Mwangi (ATPS)
for their technical support during the research process.

4 | Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract
This study appraises the perception and understanding of Niger Delta farmers of role of national
governments in climate change governance in Nigeria. It also examines grassroots communities'
perception of constraints to adaptation to changing climate in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Multi-stage sampling technique was used to interview 400 of heads of farming households in Cross
Rivers, Delta and Rivers States. Analysis of the data utilized simple descriptive statistics while theresults were presented in 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 the study indicate that the major constraints to climate change adaptation by farmers in
the Niger Delta are lack of information, low awareness level , irregularities of extension services,poor government attention to climate problems , inability to access available information, lack ofaccess to improved crop varieties, ineffectiveness of indigenous methods, no subsidies onplanting materials, limited knowledge on adaptation measures, low institutional capacity, andabsence of government policy on climate change. The results further showed that farmers in the
Niger Delta generally have a low level of awareness of government policies/programmes on climatechange. Furthermore, the study indicates that farmers of the region also have a poor perception ofeffectiveness of the policies/programmes and low awareness of the existence and impact ofCommittees on Climate Change in the National Assembly. The study concludes that farmers of the
Niger Delta had low awareness of the existence and contributions of Committees of the National
Assembly to climate change governance. The study recommends that the Nigerian legislature
should make deliberate efforts at sensitizing the Nigerian public of activities of its Committees on
Climate Change as this will improve perception and understanding of their activities and impacts
and will in turn lead to a more positive attitude and consequently impact on farmers' adaptation toclimate change in Niger Delta Region.

Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria | 5

List of Acronyms & Abbreviations
ADP

Agricultural Development Programme

AfDB

African Development BankATPS

African Technology Policy Studies Network

CEEPA

Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa

FMENV

Federal Ministry of Environment

FGD

Focus Group Discussion

GHG

Greenhouse Gas

IPCCIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

MDGs

Millennium Development Goals

NGOs

Non-governmental Organizations

NPC

National Population Commission

RRA

Rapid Rural Appraisal

UNFCCC

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

UNN

University of Nigeria, Nsukka

6 | Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

1. Introduction
1.1.
Problem Statement
Farmers are key stakeholders in the climate change debate. However, knowledge of rural farmers of
the Niger Delta region of Nigeria about climate change has been noted to be abysmally low. In
making informed decisions about climate change, Olorunfemi (2009) is of the view that timely anduseful information is necessary about the possible consequences of climate change, people's
perceptions of those consequences, available adaptation options, and the benefits of slowing therate of climate change. Awareness and perceptions of a problem such as climate change shapes
action or inaction on the problem (Nzeadibe and Ajaero 2010). Consequently, understanding theperception of climate change governance by stakeholders, such as farmers, is important asperception can shape the preparedness of these actors to adapt and change their practices(Speranza 2010). Disconnects in awareness of farmers of the role of national governments,
especially the legislative arm, in climate change governance in Africa is worth noting. The
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2010) acknowledges this, noting that not much has
been done in terms of relating climate change information currently available to parliaments in
African countries. In Nigeria, legislative activities of national lawmakers concerning climate change
and impact of such activities appear to remain inaccessible or unavailable to farmers who areimportant stakeholders in the climate change dialogue. Although some visible actions regarding
climate change have recently been taken by the National Assembly, perceptions andunderstanding of farmers of the processes and impact of climate change governance by national
legislative institutions have hitherto remained unclear.This research focuses on the National
Assembly in view of recent developments in the institution regarding climate change and availabilityof data at that level. The study investigates farmers' perception of climate change governance by the
Nigeria's national legislature. It also examines grassroots communities' perception of constraints toadaptation to changing climate in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. It is expected that findings of thisstudy will catalyse actions aimed at raising awareness of the activities of the National Assembly inclimate change governance in Nigeria and building capacities of farming communities in the study
area to adapt to climate change impacts.
1.2.
Objectives
The objectives of this Research Paper are to:> Ascertain farmers' perception of climate change governance in the Niger Delta and;> Examine the constraints to adapting to climate change in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria | 7

2. Literature Review
It has been argued that the world's climate is changing and will continue to change at rates
unprecedented in human history, and that all societies need to enhance their adaptive capacity toface both present and future challenges of climate change (Adger et al. 2003). Climate change has
thus become the most important topical development policy and global governance issue in the
21st century (African Development Bank 2010). Recent research on Climate change has noted theimpacts of climate change on agriculture and natural resources management in countries of Africa,
Asia and Latin America (Speranza, 2010). A consensus has thus emerged that developing
countries are more vulnerable to climate change than developed countries, because of the
predominance of rain-fed agriculture in their economies, the scarcity of capital for adaptation
measures, their warmer baseline climates and their heightened exposure to extreme events(Fischer et al. 2005; Nnamchi and Ozor, 2009).
Climate change, being a key governance issue in recent years, appears to have predominantly
focused on the development of global climate change regime agreements, the UNFCCC and the
Kyoto Protocol, and their implementation (Haas, 2008; Barrett, 2009; Okereke et al. 2009;
Vandenbergh and Cohen 2009). As a result, much of the discussion and action on climate change
governance has been at the international level while there has been a tendency to overlook nationallevel governance of climate change.
Few studies have examined the role national governments can play in putting in place institutions,policies, plans and measures to promote mitigation of, and adaptation to climate change and thesehave mostly addressed environmental governance of climate change in developed countries(Meadowcroft 2009). This author further argues that climate change governance requires
governments to take an active role in bringing about shifts in interest and perceptions so that stablesocietal majorities in favor of deploying an active mitigation and adaptation policy regime can be
maintained (Meadowcroft 2009).
In Nigeria, the role of the Federal Ministry of Environment as the focal point of climate change policymaking is fairly well known (FMENV 2010). For example, it is understood that FMENV set up a“Special Unit” on Climate Change. This Unit was established in recognition of the “importanceattached to the issue of climate change and global warming, and in view of the enormity of activities
required for the implementation of the Climate Change Convention and the Kyoto Protocol”
8 | Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

(FMENV 2010). It is this Unit that has been the pivot and driver of the Ministry's Policy andProgrammes on Climate Change. For example, it was recently reported that the Ministry hascommenced “massive” awareness programme on climate change in the nine erosion-prone statesin the Niger Delta region and northern parts of Nigeria (The Punch Newspaper 2010). However,programmes, policies and activities of the Ministry on climate change do not seem to havespecifically targeted and involved farmers, for example, the awareness campaign mentioned above(FMENV 2010). Consequently, farmers in the Niger Delta as key stakeholders appear to have
inadvertently been left out in the climate change debate and policy making.
On the other hand, although the ability of the National Assembly to engage in climate change
legislation is not in doubt as exemplified with the passage of the National Climate Change
Commission Bill (House of Representatives Federal Republic of Nigeria 2010, Senate of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria 2010, The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association 2010), the role of national
legislative bodies (i.e. The Senate and House of Representatives) in climate change awareness,
mitigation and adaptation is minimally known and therefore inadequately understood by farmers.
In Nigeria, studies on the role of national governments in putting in place institutions, policies, plans
and measures to promote mitigation of, and adaptation to climate change are lacking while the roleof the parliament in climate change governance has also not been addressed in previous studies(Meadowcroft 2009; The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association 2010).
In addition, developments around other parliamentary contributions to the climate change
governance dialogue such as public hearings, legislative inquiries and advocacy, budgetary
appropriation and legislative oversight functions, among other things, are not widely known. Thissituation creates a knowledge gap of the contribution of parliaments to climate change governanceat the national level while the institution appears to be perceived negatively by farmers in the Niger
Delta. Perception is arguably related to awareness level and availability of information on aphenomenon. The spatial behavior and behavioural responses of individuals and communities areoften framed around their perceptions of problems (Getis et al. 2000; Nzeadibe and Ajaero 2010).
Generally, studies on farmers' perception of and adaptation to climate change have elicited
significant research interest in Africa. In one such study, Maddison (2006) notes that perception ofclimate change appears to hinge on farmer experience and the availability of free extension advice
specifically related to climate change. In another study, Gbetibouo (2009) argues that farmers withaccess to extension services are likely to perceive changes in the climate because extension
services provide information about climate and weather. Consequently, awareness andperceptions of a problem shapes action or inaction on the problem of climate change (Speranza
2010).Other studies on farmers' perceptions of climate change and agricultural adaptation
strategies have also been undertaken in rural Senegal (Mertz et al. 2009).
Using focus group interviews and a household survey, this study analyzed the perceptions ofclimate change and the strategies for coping and adaptation by sedentary farmers in the savannazone of central Senegal. The study concluded that the communities studied have a high awarenessof climate issues, but climatic narratives are likely to influence responses when questions mention
climate. Change in land use and livelihood strategies, the authors argued, is driven by adaptation toa range of factors of which climate appears not to be the most important

Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria | 9

The literature contains few studies on people's perception about climate change and strategies
employed for adaptation in Nigeria. For example, Ishaya and Abaje (2008) examined the way
indigenous people in Jema'a Local Government Area of Kaduna State perceive climate change andtheir adaptation strategies to climate change. Their findings indicate that the threat of climatechange is perceived to be more on health, food supply, biodiversity loss and fuelwood availability
than on businesses and instigating of disaster. Adaptation to climate entailed cultivation ofdifferent/varieties of crops which are tolerant to climate change and shortening of the growing
season. Constraining factors to the adoption of modern techniques of combating climate changes
in the area were observed to include lack of improved seeds, lack of access to water for irrigation,lack of current knowledge of modern adaptation strategies, lack of capital, lack of awareness andknowledge of climate change (Ishaya and Abaje 2008) .
Similarly, Apata et al. (2009) found that there is a need for agricultural economists and otherstakeholders in environmental management and agricultural sustainability in developing countries
to come to terms with negative impacts of climate change and likely positive and beneficial
response strategies to global warming. The need for capacity building for climate change
adaptation in Nigeria has also been recognized in recent literature. This recognition has only been
about building institutional and professional capacity of urban and regional planners in the face ofthe climate challenge (Olujimi 2007) and curriculum reforms, development and capacity building
initiatives on climate change teaching, learning and research (Ozor, 2009).
In the light of the above review, the present study addresses the issue of climate change
governance in Niger Delta, cognizant of the fact that the visible involvement of state legislative
institutions is imperative. The need for parliaments and governments to take on more active roles inclimate change governance cannot be overemphasized (Meadowcroft 2009). Such leadership
could engender shifts in interest and perceptions and ultimately aid climate change adaptation.
Building coalitions for change, buying off opponents, establishing new centres of economic power,
creating new institutional actors, adjusting legal rights and responsibilities, and changing ideas
and accepted norms and expectations have been enumerated as measures for effecting suchchanges (Meadowcroft 2009).
A corollary of this would tend to be increased awareness and better perception by stakeholders,
especially farmers, of climate change governance. This research, therefore, appraises theperception and understanding of Niger Delta farmers of activities of national-level legislative
institutions in climate change governance in Nigeria. By so doing, what could turn out to be a major
constraint to farmers' adaptation to climate change in Niger Delta Region would emerge as a
success factor in addressing the problem of climate change in Nigeria.

10 | Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

3. Methodology
3.1.
The Study Area
The study area is the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The Niger Delta covers an area of 70,000 Km2 ofmarshland, creeks, tributaries and lagoons that drain the Niger River into the Atlantic at the Bight ofBiafra. About one-third of this area is fragile mangrove forest, the second largest mangrove forest in
the world. The biodiversity of the Niger Delta is very high with the area containing diverse plant andanimal species, including many endangered, exotic and endemic animals and plants (World Bank
1995).
The Niger Delta has an estimated population of over 30 million people (National Population
Commission 2009), the bulk of which live in rural fishing and farming communities .The region is
also the headquarters of Nigeria's oil and gas industry and currently the only oil and gas producing
region in Nigeria (Nzeadibe and Ajaero 2010). Regrettably, activities of multinational oil companies
have recently been linked to degradation of the natural environment, pollution and low agricultural
productivity (Abutudu et al. 2007; Ibeanu et al. 2007) as well as insecurity of lives and property,
hence, a reduction in quality of life expectations in Niger Delta communities (Nzeadibe and Ajaero2010).
The Niger Delta consists of the nine States of Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross-River, Delta, Edo,
Imo, Ondo and Rivers. Ethnically, the region consists of the Ijaw, Urhobo, Efik, Ibibio, Ogoni, Edo,
Yoruba (mainly Itsekiri and Ilaje) and the Igbo (Ibeanu 2006). The Niger Delta region is therefore ofimmense geopolitical, ecologic and economic importance. It is also an important agro-climatic
region in Nigeria. Fig.1 shows the states of the Niger Delta region.

Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria | 11

Fig. 1: Map of Nigeria showing the states in the Niger Delta Region
Key: (1) Abia, (2) Akwa Ibom, (3) Bayelsa, (4) Cross River, (5) Delta, (6) Edo, (7) Imo, (8) Ondo, (9)Rivers.Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niger_Delta (2010).
3.2.
Population and sample
The population for this study included all the farmers in the study area. Multistage (random)
sampling technique was used to recruit the sampled respondents. In the first stage; three states
namely: Cross Rivers, Delta and Rivers states were randomly selected from the nine states thatmake up the Niger Delta region. In the second stage, using the delineation by the different states
Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs); two agricultural zones were randomly selectedfrom each state giving a total of 6 agricultural zones. From each of the selected zones, two blocks
were randomly selected for study. This gave a total of 12 blocks. The sample for this study was
selected through a combination of strategies that recognized the social component of indigenous
knowledge and practices. In each of the selected blocks, the following procedure was adopted inselecting the sample respondents. First, residents in the selected blocks were invited to acommunity forum at which a preliminary identification of different categories of households was
carried out. At the community forum, 15 rural households members made up of males, female andyouths who constituted the focus group was purposively selected from the list of those identified
and discussions were held with them. At the community forum also, and with the assistance ofcommunity leaders, 5 respondents other than those included in the focus group was purposively
selected for interview as key informants. Criteria used for selection included age (for historicalinsight on indigenous knowledge), experience and interest. During the community forum, focus

12 | Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

group discussion, and key informant interviews and with the help of community leaders, a samplingframe of all farmers was built up in each community. From this list, random samples of 35
respondents were selected and interviewed using semi-structured interview schedule. In all, a totalof 420 respondents were interviewed. However, 400 completely filled interview schedules wereused for analysis.
3.3.
Data Collection
Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) (transect walks, identification and inspection of farm lands) was used
first to encourage the villagers to describe their relationship with their natural resources, particularly
the indigenous adaptation measures. Again, this helped in identifying variables of importance to therural dwellers and in the formulation of questions that were included in the more formal semistructured interview schedule in locally meaningful terms. Two single sex Focus Group Discussions(FGDs), one for men and another for women were held with farmers in each state with number ofparticipants ranging from 10-21. This gave a total of six FGDs. The FGDs/Community fora were
helpful in eliciting clearer information on respondents' relationships to the natural resource base.
Key informants helped in the selection of different sites for in-depth study, while the semi-structured
interview schedule was used to collect quantitative information from the randomly selected
respondents.
3.4.
Measurement of variables
The interview schedule was divided into eight sections (A-H). However, only responses to questionsin Sections G and H were analyzed for this Research Paper. Section G sought to elicit information on
problems encountered by rural communities in adapting to the effects of climate change.
Respondents indicated the extent to which variables like lack of information, low awareness level,
low institutional capacity, among others, acted as constraints to climate change adaptation. A five
point Likert –type scale with response options of; to a very great extent, to a great extent, to someextent, to a little extent, and not at all, scaled 5 to 1, was used. Section H contained questions on
government policy/programmes on climate change and awareness and perception ofcontributions of the National Assembly of climate change governance in Niger Delta.
3.5.
Data Analysis
In order to realize the objectives of ascertaining farmers' perception of climate change governancein the Niger Delta and examining the constraints to adapting to climate change in the Niger Delta
region of Nigeria, means, percentages, standard deviation and frequencies were used. Both meanscores and exploratory factor analysis procedure were further used to analyze objective 2. First ofall, to determine the possible constraints as perceived by the respondents, the values on the Likerttype scale were summed to get 15, and then divided by 5, to get a mean score of 3. Then
respondents' mean scores was obtained for each response item such that any one higher or equal
to 3 was regarded as a “possible constraint”. Exploratory factor analysis procedure using theprincipal factor model with iteration and varimax rotation was further employed in grouping theconstraint variables into major constraint factors. In factor analysis, the factor loading under eachconstraint (beta weight) represent a correlation of the variables (constraint areas) to the identified
constraint factor and has the same interpretation as any correlation coefficient. However, only
variables with loadings of 0.40 and above {(10% overlapping variance, Comrey, (1962)} were usedin naming the factors. Results of these analyses are presented as figures and tables.
Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria | 13

4. Results & Findings
4.1.
Constraints to Climate Change Adaptation
Analysis of respondent's data shows that the major constraints to adapting to climate change by
farmers in the Niger Delta included lack of information (x=4.18), low awareness level (=3.91),
irregularities of extension services (=3.88), poor government attention to climate problems(=3.88), inability to access available information (=3.78), lack of access to improved crop varieties(=3.70). Other constraining factors were ineffectiveness of indigenous methods (=3.49), no
subsidies on planting materials (=3.84), limited knowledge on adaptation measures (=3.52), lowinstitutional capacity (=3.26) and absence of government policy on climate change (=3.51). Table
1 presents the mean distribution of constraints to climate change adaptation in the Niger Delta
region.
From Table 1, it could be seen that the constraints cut across low level of information andawareness, institutional problems, government failures and conservatism on the part of the farmers
towards adoption of more modern techniques.
4.2.
Factor Analysis of Constraints to Climate Change Adaptation
Factor analysis of the data obtained on constraints in adaptation to climate change revealed threesignificant loadings. These are factor 1, 2 and 3 and were named institutional problems,
government failures and resistance to change respectively. These factors represent the major
constraints to climate change adaptation by farmers in the study area.
Factors which loaded under institutional problems were inability to access available information(0.72), limited knowledge on adaptation measures (0.67), low institutional capacity (0.75) andabsence of government policy on climate change (0.79). Government failures comprised
irregularities of extension services (0.71), no subsidies on planting materials (0.78), lack of accessto improved crop varieties (0.62), and lack of information (0.61). The loading under resistance tochange included taboos (0.82), cultural influence (0.80), inability to give up traditional values (0.80)
and absence of fishery management practices. Table 2 presents results of the factor analysis ofconstraints to climate change adaptation in Niger Delta.

14 | Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Table 1: Mean distribution of constraints to climate change adaptation
Constraint variables

x

SD

1.

Lack of information

*4.18

1.17

2.

Ineffectiveness of indigenous strategies

*3.49

1.32

3.

Irregularity of extension services

*3.88

1.35

4.

No subsidies on planting materials

*3.84

1.37

5.

Lack of access to improved crop varieties

*3.70

1.36

6.

Absence of water management techniques

*3.11

1.53

7.

Absence of fishery management practice

2.82

1.63

8.

Poor government attention to climate problems

*3.88

1.41

9.

Low awareness level

*3.91

1.26

10.

Inability to access available information

*3.78

1.30

11.

Limited knowledge on adaptation measures

*3.52

1.38

12.

Cultural influence

2.88

1.47

13.

Taboos

2.39

1.45

14.

Inability to give up traditional values

2.74

1.52

15.

Low institutional capacity

*3.26

1.48

16.

Absence of government policy on climate change

*3.51

1.53

* Significant

S.D.= Standard Deviation

Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria | 15

Table 2: Factor Analysis of constraints to climate change adaptation
Constraints

Factor 1

Factor 2

Factor 3

1.

Lack of information

0.24

0.61

0.07

2.

Ineffectiveness of indigenous strategies

0.04

0.59

0.43

3.

Irregularity of extension services

0.27

0.71

0.05

4.

No subsidies on planting materials

0.16

0.78

0.11

5.

Lack of access to improved crop varieties

0.38

0.62

0.17

6.

Absence of water management techniques

0.06

0.41

0.60

7.

Absence of fishery management practice

0.14

0.37

0.56

8.

Poor government attention to climate problems

0.65

0.40

0.03

9.

Low awareness level

0.65

0.50

-0.30

10.

Inability to access available information

0.72

0.34

0.10

11.

Limited knowledge on adaptation measures

0.67

0.25

0.25

12.

Cultural influence

0.13

0.06

0.80

13.

Taboos

0.03

0.04

0.82

14.

Inability to give up traditional values

0.23

-0.02

0.80

15.

Low institutional capacity

0.75

0.05

0.22

16

Absence of government policy on climate change

0.79

0.08

0.09

Extraction method: Principal factor model Varimax rotation
4.3.

Farmers' Perception of Climate change governance4.3.1. Awareness of policies/programmes on climate changeThis research sought to appraise farmers' perception of climate change governance in the Niger
Delta Region of Nigeria. Farmers' knowledge of existing government policies was evaluated. Figure
2 reveals that majority (66.8%) of the respondents reported that they were aware of the ban on
indiscriminate felling of trees; 64.2% were aware of ban on indiscriminate bush burning, while
58.2% knew of government's promotion of afforestation. About 39% of the respondents knew of theban on gas flaring, and only 19.0% of the respondents were aware of a bill on climate change in the
National Assembly. It can be inferred from these findings that the farmers are ignorant of available
mitigation measures for climate change impacts. The danger posed by this ignorance will
exacerbate the impacts of climate change already been experienced by farmers of the Niger Delta.
16 | Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

y- axis (level of awareness (% of respondents)

66.8%

64.2%
58.2%

38.8%

19.0%

Bill on climatechange in
National
Assembly

Ban on gas
flaring

Ban onindiscriminate
tree felling

Ban onindiscriminate
bush burning

Promotion ofafforestation

x-axis (Policies/programmes(Policies/programmeson
onclimateclimatechange)change)x-axisFig. 2 : Awareness of Government policies/programmes on climate change
4.3.2. Perception of the effectiveness of government policies/programmes on
climate changeThis study further assessed farmers' perception of the effectiveness of government
policies/programmes on climate change. Figure 3 shows that 41.8% of the respondents perceived
the ban on indiscriminate tree felling to be effectively implemented; 40.5%% noted that thepromotion on afforestation is on the right course. Similarly, 31.5% of the farmers were of the opinion
that the ban on bush burning is also being well implemented while 17.0% were of the view that theban on gas flaring is being well implemented. The remaining 6.8% think that the bill on climatechange in the National Assembly is being implemented effectively. It is obvious from the findings,
that poor awareness of government efforts to combat climate change effect is the likely result of the
low rate on how effectively the government is implementing these policies/programmes.

Fig. 3: Awareness of implemented Government policies/programmes on climatechangeFarmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria | 17

4.3.3. Awareness of Climate Change Committees in the National Assembly
Farmers' perceptions of contributions of the National Assembly Committees on climate change toclimate change governance were assessed. Their understanding of the role of the National
Assembly in climate change governance in the region is presented in Table 3 and figure 4. From theTable and figure, it is indicated that of the total respondents for this study, only about 24.2% were
aware of the existence of Committees on Climate Change in the National Assembly. Of this number,
62.9% were aware of the nature of the work been done in the Committees. On assessment on theimpact on their work, only 23.0% agreed that the Committees were having high impact indischarging their duties as evidenced by the passage of the National Climate Change Commission
Bill. About 56% of the respondents noted that the impact of their work was low, while the remaining
21.3% seemed not to have noticed any impact of the Committees. Overall, it is evident that thefarmers of the Niger Delta had low awareness of the existence and contributions of Committees of
the National Assembly to climate change governance. This is possibly the reason for a low
knowledge on the nature of the work of these committees. It can be deduced that, this low
knowledge is the reflection of the low impact these Committees are having on climate change
governance in the region.
Table 3: Awareness of Climate Change Committees in the National Assembly
Variables

Frequency%

Awareness of climate change committees in National Assembly (n=400)

97

24.2

Awareness of the nature of their work (n=97)

61

62.9

No Impact
21%

High Impact
23%

Low Impact
56%

Fig. 4: Impacts of Committees in National Assembly

18 | Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

5. Summary
This study was carried out in the Niger Delta region of the country. Three states – Cross Rivers, Delta
and Rivers were randomly selected for the study. A total of 400 respondents constituted the sample
size for the study. Interview schedule was used in collecting data from the respondents.
Percentages, mean score, standard deviation and factor analysis with varimax rotation were used indata analysis. The study aimed to ascertain farmers' perception of climate change governance in
the Niger Delta and to examine the perceived constraints to adapting to climate change in the Niger
Delta region of Nigeria.
The identified constraints/factors to adapting to climate change included institutional problems,
government failures and resistance to change. This reveals the weak nature of existing climatechange governance institutions in the country and level of government preparedness to handle
challenges brought about by the changing climate.
Results of the study revealed that (81.0%) of the total number of respondents in the study did notknow of the existence of a bill on climate change in the National Assembly. This is probably as aresult of inadequate legislative advocacy and public sensitization on the bill. On the other hand,
68.2% did not know of the ban on gas flaring; only 6.8% agreed that the bill on climate change in the
National Assembly is being well implemented. About 24% were aware of the committee on climatechange in the National Assembly; while 55.7% of them rated the impact of their work in the National
Assembly as low.
There is scope for more robust public engagement and contribution of the National Assembly to
climate change governance. As of now, members of the Nigerian national legislature would seem tobe “too far away” or even “aloof” from their constituencies. In this regard, closer interaction of thelawmakers with their constituents such as engaging in Town Hall Meetings and regularcommunication of activities of the Climate Change Committees in the Senate and House ofRepresentatives in Nigerian languages will go a long way in improving public perception andawareness.
The Nigerian legislature should make deliberate efforts at sensitizing the Nigerian public of activities
of its Committees on Climate Change. One effective way to do this is through engagement in phone
in programmes on public/national radio and television stations. As has been shown in a related
Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria | 19

study (Nzeadibe et al. 2011), the mass media (radio/TV and newspaper) plays a major role inclimate change awareness among farmers in the Niger Delta. Consequently, the power of the mass
media to bring about behavioural change cannot be underestimated. Communication will improve
perception and understanding of activities and impacts of the Committees. Improvement inperceptions and understanding of activities of national-level legislative institutions in climatechange governance by Niger Delta farmers will in turn lead to a more positive attitude andconsequently impact on farmers' adaptation to climate change in Niger Delta Region.

20 | Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of NigeriaReferences
Abutudu, M., Joab-Peterside, S., and Isumonah, V. (2007). Akwa Ibom State. In L.A Jinadu., B.A.
Chokor ., O. Ibeanu., Y. Oruwari ., P.A. Egom ., M. Abutudu ., V.A. Isumonah ., S. Joab-Peterside., N.
Toyo., D. Garuba ., T. Bolton., and U. Ukiwo (Eds.), Democracy, Oil and Politics in the Niger Delta:
Linking Citizens' Perceptions and Policy Reform (pp.94-139). Port Harcourt: Centre for Advanced
Social Science.
Adger, W .N; Huq, S; Brown, K; Conway, D; and Hulme, M (2003). Adaptation toclimate change inthe developing world .Progress in Development Studies 3(3) 179–195.
African Development Bank (2010). Managing Climate Change - A Critical Governance Issue for
Africa. Available at http://allafrica.com/stories/201010080828.html (accessed 09:11:10).
Apata , T.G.; Samuel, K.D and Adeola, A.O. (2009).Analysis of Climate Change Perception and
Adaptation among Arable Food Crop Farmers in South Western Nigeria. Contributed Paper
prepared for presentation at the International Association of Agricultural Economists' 2009
Conference, Beijing, China, August 16-22, 2009.
Barrett, S (2009).Rethinking Global Climate Change Governance. Economics: The Open-access,Open Assessment E-journal. Vol. 3, 1-12. Available at
http://www.economics-ejournal.org/economics/journalarticles/2009-5 (accessed 09:11:10).
CEEPA (Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa) (2006): How farmers perceive
and adapt to climate change in Africa, Pretoria (Policy Note10); online:
http://www.ceepa.co.za/docs/POLICY%20NOTE%2010.pdf (accessed 27:10:10).
Comrey, A. L. (1962). The minimum residual method of factor analysis. Psychological Reports. Vol.
11, pp. 15 – 18.
Federal Ministry of Environment of Nigeria (2010).Climate Change. Available at
http://environment.gov.ng/issues/climate-change/ (accessed 30:09:10).
Fischer, G; Shah, M; Tubiello, F.N and Van Velhuizen, H (2005). Socio-Economic and Climate
Change Impacts on Agriculture: An Integrated Assessment, 1990–2080. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 360,
2067–2083 doi:10.1098/rstb.2005.1744.
Gbetibouo, G. (2009). Understanding farmers' perceptions and adaptations to climate change andvariability: The Case of the Limpopo Basin, South Africa. Environment and Production Technology
Division, International Food Policy Research Institute. Available at
http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/rome2007/docs/ifpri_limpopo_dp00849.pdf.
Getis, A., Getis, J., and Fellman, J. D. (2000). Introduction to Geography (7th edition.)
New York: McGraw-Hill.
Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria | 21

Haas, P.M (2008).Climate Change Governance after Bali. Global Environmental Politics. 8 (3), 1-7.
House of Representatives Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010) Adoption of Conference Committee
Report on a Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of a National Climate Change
Commission and for other connected purposes. Votes and Proceedings. Fourth Republic 3rd
National Assembly Fourth Session No. 35, pp.549-550. Abuja: National Assembly Press
Ibeanu, O (2006).Civil Society and Conflict Management in the Niger Delta: Scoping Gaps for
Policy and Advocacy. CLEEN Foundation Monograph Series No.2. Lagos: CLEEN Foundation.
Ibeanu, O., Oruwari, Y., and Egom, P.A (2007). Abia State. In L.A Jinadu., B.A. Chokor; O. Ibeanu., Y.
Oruwari ., P.A. Egom ., M. Abutudu ., V. A. Isumonah ., S. Joab-Peterside., N. Toyo., D. Garuba ., T.
Bolton., and U. Ukiwo (Eds.), Democracy, Oil and Politics in the Niger Delta: Linking Citizens'
Perceptions and Policy Reform (pp.49-93). Port Harcourt.: Centre for Advanced Social Science.
Ishaya, S. and Abaje, I. B. (2008). Indigenous people's perception on climate change andadaptation strategies in Jema'a local government area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Journal of
Geography and Regional Planning 1(8), pp. 138-143. Available online at
http://www.academicjournals.org/JGRP
Maddison, D. (2006). The perception of and adaptation to climate change in Africa,
http://www.ceepa.co.za/docs/CDPNo10.pdf (accessed 01:11:10)
Pretoria: University of Pretoria (CEEPA Discussion Paper 10, Special Series on Climate Change andAgriculture in Africa); online: http://www.ceepa.co.za/docs/CDPNo10.pdf (accessed 01:11:10)
Meadowcroft, J. (2009).Climate Change Governance. World Bank Policy Research Working
Paper 4941. Washington, DC: World Bank. Available from http://www
wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/IW3P/IB/2009/05/19/000158349_200905
19144015/Rendered/PDF/WPS4941.pdf (accessed 09:11:10).
Mertz, O; Mbow, C; Reenberg, A and Diouf, A (2009). Farmers' Perceptions of Climate Change andAgricultural Adaptation Strategies in Rural Sahel. Environmental Management, 43(5), 804-816,
DOI: 10.1007/s00267-008-9197-0.
National Population Commission of Nigeria (2009). 2006 Population and Housing Census of theFederal Republic of Nigeria: National and State Population and Housing Tables – Priority Tables
Vol.1. Abuja: NPC.
Nnamchi, H.C. and Ozor, N.O (2009). Climate Change and the Uncertainties Facing Farming
Communities in the Middle Belt Region of West Africa. Paper presented at the 7th International
Science Conference on the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change (IHDP Open
Meeting 2009) held at the United Nations University, Bonn, Germany between 26 April and 1 May,
2009. Available at http://www.openmeeting2009.org/pdf_files/Pdf%20papers/Nnamchi_Ozor.pdf

22 | Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Nzeadibe, T.C and Ajaero, C.K. (2010). Assessment of socio-economic characteristics and qualityof life expectations in rural communities of Enugu State, Nigeria. Applied Research in Quality of Life.
5 (4) 353-371. DOI: 10.1007/s11482-010-9096-4.
Nzeadibe T.C., Egbule, C.L., Chukwuone, N.A., and Agu, V.C. (2011).Climate change awarenessand adaptation in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. African Technology Policy Studies Network(ATPS) Working Paper Series .Nairobi: ATPS.
Okereke, C; Bulkeley, H and Schroeder, H. (2009). Conceptualizing climate change governancebeyond the international regime. Global Environmental Politics, 9(1), 58-78.
Olorunfemi, F (2009).Risk communication in climate change and adaptation: policy issues andchallenges for Nigeria. Earth and Environmental Science 6, doi:10.1088/1755-1307/6/1/412036.
Retrieved from http://iopscience.iop.org/1755-1315/6/41/412036/pdf/17551315_6_41_412036.pdf (accessed 09:11:10)
Olujimi, J (2007). Climate change and coastal settlement planning in Nigeria: A call for capacity
building. Bulletin of Science Association of Nigeria vol. 28, 28-31.
Ozor, N. (2009). UNN Talks Climate Change: Influencing Curriculum Development and Knowledgeof Climate Change Issues at the University of Nigeria Nsukka and Environs. Paper presented at theWorkshop on Influencing Curriculum Development and Knowledge of Climate Change Issues at the
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 3 December 2009. Available at www.start.org/download/accfp/ozorfinal.pdf (accessed 08:11; 10).
Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010) Report of the Conference Committee on the
National Climate Change Commission Bill, 2010 (SB. 24) Presented on Wednesday 10th November
2010. Abuja: 6th National Assembly Fourth Session No. 37.
Speranza, C.I (2010). Resilient adaptation to climate change in African agriculture. Bonn: German
Development Institute (DIE).
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2010). Draft Report from the sub-Saharan Study
Group on Parliament and Climate Change. Available at
http://cpa.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMDc1MjUwJnA9MSZ1PTAmbGk9NDQwNTU1Ng/index.ht
ml (accessed 09:11:10).
The Punch Newspaper (2010). Niger Delta: Ministry holds climate change awareness. Wednesday,
21 Apr 2010. Available at http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010042113175143
Vandenbergh, M.P and Cohen, M.A (2009).Climate Change Governance: Boundaries andLeakage. Discussion Paper RFF DP 09-51. Washington, DC: Resources for the Future.
World Bank (1995). Defining an Environmental Development Strategy for the Niger Delta.
Washington, DC: World Bank.
Farmers' Perception of Climate Change Governance and Adaptation Constraints in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria | 23

The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is a multidisciplinary network of researchers, private sector actors andpolicy makers promoting the generation, dissemination, use andmastery of science, technology and innovation (ST&I) for African
development, environmental sustainability and global inclusion.
ATPS intends to achieve its mandate through research, capacity
building and training, science communication/dissemination andsensitization, participatory multi-stakeholder dialogue,knowledge brokerage, and policy advocacy.

African Technology
Policy Studies Network
Contact the Executive Director at
The Chancery, 3rd Floor, Valley Rd.
P O Box 10081, 00100-Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: (254 020) 2714092, 2714168,
2714498, 2723800
Fax: (254 020) 2714028
http://www.atpsnet.org

Science, Technology and Innovation
for African Development

ISBN: 978-9966-030-02-3