Abstract

The study assessed the information need of farmers on climate change issues in Nnewi North Local Government, Anambra State, Nigeria. Using the multistage sampling procedure, 70 farmers were selected and data were collected through the use of a structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used for the analysis. The study showed that majority of the farmers were females (51.4 %), between the age of 51 years and above (37.1 %), married (65.7 %) and has household size of 6 persons (58.6 %). The major climate change information needed by the farmers were infect of insect pest on cropping (M=3.57), adaptation technology (M=3.52). The major sources of climate change information among farmers were fellow farmers, friends and neighbors. The information sources on climate change in which the farmers have the most access in radio (M=3.77), fellow farmers (3.48), family members (M=3.30). The major constraint of climate change information needs of the farmers were lack of access to agricultural extension services (m=3.77), poor newspaper readership (M=3.67). Multiple linear regression revealed that socio- economic characteristics of the farmers have no significant influence on the climate change information needs. Lack of access to agricultural extension services were the major constraints to effective communication of climate change information. The study recommends the empowerment of extension agents by government to teach farmers climate change adaptation and mitigation using languages they can understand to enable them cope with the challenges of climate change.

Keywords: