TRANSFORMING LAND USE FOR CLIMATE-RESILIENT AGRICULTURE IN GOMBE STATE

Abstract

Agriculture in Gombe State faces mounting challenges arising from climate variability, land degradation, and unsustainable farming practices. This study examines the interaction between land use and agricultural productivity to identify pathways for achieving climate-resilient agriculture. Crop yield on maize, groundnut and soybean cultivation for 2015–2024 was obtained from the Gombe State Agricultural Development Programme (GSADP). This was analyzed using correlation and regression models to assess the relationship between cultivated area and yield. A questionnaire survey of 399 farmers was conducted across eleven Local Government Areas. Results show a strong positive relationship between cultivated land area and crop productivity at r = 0.945 and R2 = 0.893; however, declining yields across all crops suggest growing climatic and edaphic constraints. About 75% of respondents reported that rainfall variability, temperature rise, and soil fertility decline had disrupted planting cycles and reduced yields. Only 14.5% had received formal training on climate-smart agriculture, while 80.5% identified lack of funds as their major limitation. It was revealed that achieving climate-resilient agriculture in Gombe State requires integrated interventions such as strengthening institutional support, improving access to finance and extension services, and promoting sustainable land management. Enhanced policy coordination and farmer training can significantly improve productivity and resilience under changing climatic conditions.