Public Perception of the Impact of Climate Change on Rainfall Distribution Patterns and Agricultural Production in South-South, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Climate change is having a profound impact on rainfall patterns, imposing terrifying stresses on agricultural production, particularly in fragile regions like South South Nigeria. The present work examined the impacts of climate change, providing a timely analysis likely to inform adaptive strategies for farmers and policymakers amid growing climatic uncertainty. Objective: The study evaluated public perception of the impact of climate change on rainfall distribution patterns and agricultural production in the South-South, Nigeria. Method: This research employed a descriptive survey approach, drawing a random sample of 1,020 respondents, 900 crop farmers and 120 agricultural extension officers from the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, which encompasses Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) alongside inferential testing using the t-test. Results: The analysis identified 11 climate-related effects on rainfall patterns. Crop farmers recorded an average rating of 3.17, while extension agents averaged 3.23. The resulting p-value of 0.066 exceeded the 0.05 threshold, indicating no statistically significant difference between the two groups. A separate set of 13 climate-change impacts produced mean scores of 3.20 for farmers and 3.23 for agents, with a p-value of 0.166—again showing the difference was not significant. Conclusion: This research concluded that crop yield instability and food insecurity problems could be addressed through multidimensional interventions, including scientific investigation, policy change, and climate-resilient agriculture. Unique Contribution: This research provides empirical evidence-based mitigation measures of climate change on rainfall distribution patterns and agricultural production. Key Recommendation: The government should develop and implement climate-resilient agriculture support policies, including a climate information policy, an agricultural extension policy, and a climate-smart agriculture policy.