CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY IN BIU-NIGERIA

Abstract

Background and Context: Climate change poses a significant challenge to food security in Nigeria, particularly in regions with fragile ecosystems and rain-fed agriculture. Goal and Objectives: This study examines the impact of climate change on rice, guinea corn, and groundnut production in Biu, Borno State, over a 30-year period (1993-2023). Methodology: Using historical climate data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), alongside farmer surveys (n=80), the study employs trend analysis, regression models, and SPSS-based descriptive statistics to analyze changes in rainfall, temperature, and crop yields. Results: The results indicate a 1.5°C rise in average temperature over the period, with annual rainfall declining by 15%, leading to a 27% drop in rice yields, 18% in guinea corn, and 22% in groundnut. Farmers adopt strategies such as crop rotation, drought-resistant varieties, and water conservation techniques, but adaptation is limited by inadequate infrastructure and extension services. Correlational analyses using regression models indicate a strong negative relationship (r = –0.82, p < .01) between rising temperatures and rice yields, while reduced rainfall correlated with declines in groundnut (r = –0.76, p < .05) and guinea corn production (r = –0.70, p < .05). Planning and management perspectives highlight the need for land-use management policies and climate-resilient agricultural zoning to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability on food security. The study concludes that climate change has significantly affected crop production in Borno State and recommends enhanced climate-smart agricultural practices, policy-driven irrigation expansion, farmer education, and sustainable land management as urgent adaptation strategies.