CLIMATE CHANGE AND CROP PRODUCTION AMONG MEMBERS OF FARMERS’ COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Climate change poses a growing threat to agricultural production, food security, and rural livelihoods, particularly among smallholder farmers whose production systems depend substantially on climatic conditions. This study examined the relationship between selected climate-related factors and crop production among members of farmers’ cooperative societies in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed the relationship between pests and diseases and soya bean production and examined the relationship between heat waves and groundnut production. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 107,527 members of registered and active farmers’ cooperative societies in Kaduna State. Using the Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 400 respondents was determined, while a multistage sampling procedure was used for respondent selection. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measured on a five-point Likert scale. The instrument was validated by experts and its reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha, with coefficients of 0.815 for pests and diseases and 0.786 for heat waves. Descriptive statistics and simple linear regression were used for data analysis. Results showed that respondents agreed to a great extent that pests and diseases were associated with reduced soya bean production, with a grand mean of 4.25. Similarly, respondents agreed to a great extent that heat waves were associated with reduced groundnut production, with a grand mean of 4.29. Regression results showed that pests and diseases had a statistically significant negative relationship with soya bean production, R² = .234, β = −.484, t = −10.828, p \< .001. Heat waves also had a statistically significant negative relationship with groundnut production, R² = .175, β ≈ −.418, t = −9.022, p \< .001. The study concludes that pests and diseases and heat-wave conditions are significant constraints to crop production among members of farmers’ cooperative societies in Kaduna State. The study recommends integrated pest and disease management, use of heat-tolerant crop varieties, adjustment of planting dates, improved extension services, climate information dissemination, and stronger institutional support for cooperative farmers.