Sources of Climate Change Information and Farmers’ Adaptive Capacity: An Adult Education Perspective from Rural Communities of Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Climate change continues to destabilize agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of rural farming communities in Nigeria. Access to climate change information and the ability of farmers to overcome adaptation constraints are increasingly recognized as essential for building resilience to climate-related challenges. This study examined the major sources of climate change information available to farmers and the constraints affecting their adaptive capacity in Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria, from an adult education perspective. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 130 farmers using a structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated by experts in adult education and community development, as well as extension education, while its reliability was established through a test–retest method using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC), which yielded a reliability index of 0.80. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics comprising mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that farmers accessed climate change information primarily through fellow farmers, extension workers, radio broadcasts, community meetings, and non-governmental organizations, with fellow farmers constituting the most prominent source. The study further found that inadequate access to climate-resilient seeds, modern farming equipment, institutional support, and reliable climate information constituted the major constraints affecting farmers' adaptive capacity to climate-related challenges. The study highlights the importance of integrating adult education with agricultural extension and community development initiatives to strengthen farmers' access to relevant knowledge, practical learning opportunities, and essential adaptation resources. It recommends strengthening extension-based climate education, promoting community learning networks, improving access to climate-resilient agricultural inputs, and enhancing institutional support to improve farmers' resilience and sustainable rural livelihoods.