An Assessment of Farmers’ Access and Utilization of Meteorological Information in Kachia Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47514/kjg.2026.08.01.020Keywords:
Climate Change, Meteorological Information, Climate Adaptation and AgricultureAbstract
Climate change and extreme weather events continue to present considerable challenges to agriculture in developing countries. This study evaluated farmers’ access to and utilization of meteorological information in Kachia Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria, amid increasing climate variability and its impact on rain-fed farming. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 384 farmers were selected through multistage sampling. Data were gathered via questionnaires, with secondary climatic data (1970–2024) obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. Rainfall and temperature patterns were analyzed using linear trend regression, while survey responses were summarized with descriptive statistics. Results showed a fluctuating yet overall rising trend in rainfall (R2 = 0.0863), with delayed onset between April and May and cessation between September and October. The growing season lasted from 109 to 191 days. Temperature trends indicated a steady increase in maximum temperatures (R2 = 0691 and 0.0335 for Max and Min), consistent with global climate change patterns. Although 89% of farmers possessed some knowledge of meteorological information, access was limited- only 16% had high access, and 37% had none. Radio was the main information source (68%), with extension services playing a minor role (2%). Meteorological data influenced decisions on planting, crop choice, and harvesting, but poor communication infrastructure, weak extension services, and inadequate dissemination mechanisms hindered the effectiveness of these decisions. The study concludes that, despite high awareness, limited access diminishes usefulness. It recommends strengthening information dissemination and institutional support to enhance agricultural resilience.
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