2018 Conference

Individual Paper Presentation

Climate change is already presenting distinct challenges to the wellbeing of smallholder farmers, the sustainability of local and global food systems, and the resilience of agricultural productivity. Soil, water and forest conservation practices are widely considered to be integral components of agricultural adaptation and mitigation to climate change, thereby ensuring local and global food security, sustainability of food systems, as well as economic and environmental benefits. Despite mounting evidence of the benefits of soil and water conservation in agricultural production, the use of conservation practices is low among smallholder farmers in developing countries such as Nigeria. This paper explores the relationship between risk perceptions from climate change at the farm-level and smallholders’ decision to use farm management practices, which have conservation benefits. This study analyzed data from a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with smallholder farmers in Ekiti state. Results highlight the role perceived climatic risks play in farmers’ adaptation actions, as well as factors influencing farmers’ adaptive decision-making, in particular, the use of soil, water and forest conservation practices at the farm-level. Outcomes could improve smallholder farmers understanding of conservation practices and enhance the uptake of adaptation and mitigation strategies to a changing climate.