Perceived Effect of Climate Change on Agricultural Extension Services Delivery in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the apparent effects of climate change on the discharge of agricultural extension services in Anambra State. Population of the study comprised all contact farmers and extension agents in Anambra State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select two hundred and ten (210) respondents. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the data, and descriptive statistics were used for analysis.. The results showed that the major perceived effects of climate change on extension services were disruption of fieldwork (39.4%), reduced adoption of innovation (18.3%), and a shift to participatory approaches (11.0%). The findings also showed that increased flooding (17,2%), rainfall intensity (16.7%) and surface temperatures (10.0%) were the major evidence of climate change on extension services and contact farmers. It was concluded that climate change hinders extension services by disrupting traditional farming, reducing the efficiency and effectiveness of innovation and making it harder for extension agents to deliver timely and relevant information. It was recommended that extension agents educate farmers on climate change adaptation strategies and weather forecasting to improve agricultural productivity, increase income levels, and minimise losses, thereby boosting their interest in effective extension service delivery