Abstract

Climate change (CC) is a global threat to food security. Climate change Adaptation and mitigation (AM) strategies of farmers are function of the institutions, customs and policies. Where direct policy responses are lacking, farmers select their own adaptation strategies based on their socio-economic characteristics. The quality of socio-economic factors, therefore, is a major influencer of the level of (AM). Climate change (AM) seem low in the South-east Nigeria; therefore, influence of Socio-economic factors on climate change adaptation and mitigation in maize production in south-east Nigeria is examined. Multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted in selecting sample for the study. First stage adopted simple random sampling technique to select three States. Second stage used purposive sampling technique to select three Local Government Areas, (LGA) from each state. Third stage applied simple random technique to select three communities from the LGAs. Fourth stage applied a simple random technique to select 300 maize farmers for the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, composite score and ordered probit regression. Majority of the farmers ((56.0%) were male with a mean age (42.83±10.33) years and mean education (13.25). Thirty five percent of the farmer had highest experience (10-14) years and 36% had extension contact. Farmers used resistant maize varieties, organic manure, mixed farming, and frequent weeding as adaptation strategies. Mitigation strategies were reforestation, preservation of wetlands, and agro-forestry were used, but adoption was limited. Female farmers were more involved in climate change mitigation than male farmers. Farming experience (p<0.001), extension (p<0.001), household size and labour (p<0.01) were socioeconomic factors that influenced the level of the climate change adaptation strategies positively while only experience (p<0.001), Marital status(p<0.001) influenced the level of the climate change mitigation. Sex (p<0.001) had negative influence. The study recommended improved socioeconomics characteristics for better climate change adaptation and mitigation.