Title: Farmers' Perceptions Of Climate Change Effects On Groundnut Farming In The Sahelian Zone: Evidence From Yusufari Lga, Yobe State, Nigeria
Authors: Mohammed Abdullahi Ejeh Benedict, Inobeme Jonathan
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 80-92
Publication Date: 2026/01/28
Abstract:
Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity in the Sahelian zone of Nigeria, particularly for rain-fed crops such as groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). This study examined farmers' perceptions of climate change and its effects on groundnut yield in Yusufari Local Government Area (LGA), Yobe State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, targeting male and female groundnut farmers with a minimum of five years of farming experience. Using a multistage sampling technique, data were collected from 150 respondents through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to analyze farmers' socio-economic characteristics, perceptions of climate change, and perceived effects on groundnut farming. The results revealed that farmers were highly aware of climate change, with the majority perceiving irregular rainfall (70%), increased temperature (63.3%), delayed onset of rains (56.7%), and shorter rainy seasons (50%). These perceptions align with documented climatic trends in the Sahelian region. Findings further showed that climate change has had predominantly negative effects on groundnut production, with low yield identified as the most significant impact (63.3%), followed by increased pest and disease incidence (53.3%), drought (46.7%), and delayed planting (43.3%). Although soil erosion and flooding were perceived as less frequent, they remain important long-term threats to land productivity. The study concludes that climate change is undermining groundnut productivity and rural livelihoods in Yusufari LGA, while farmers' adaptive capacity remains constrained by limited access to climate information, extension services, and improved inputs. The study recommends the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices, improved climate information delivery, integrated pest management, livelihood diversification, and youth- and gender-inclusive agricultural policies to enhance resilience and sustain groundnut production in semi-arid northern Nigeria.