Bridging the Adaptation Gap: Barriers and Opportunities for Climate-Resilient Irrigation Farming in Dutse LGA, Jigawa, Nigeria

Aminu Abubakar, Sule Magaji, Yahaya Ismail

Abstract


This research explores the challenges and prospects for climate-resilient irrigation farming in Dutse Local Government Area (LGA), Jigawa State, Nigeria. Employing a mixed-methods strategy, the study combines survey questionnaires (N = 200), focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) to assess the adaptive capacity of smallholder irrigation farmers. The findings reveal substantial obstacles, including the high cost of irrigation resources, ineffective extension services, limited access to climate information, restricted credit opportunities, and gender disparities in land ownership. Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors such as education level, contact with extension services, and access to credit are statistically significant determinants of adopting climate-resilient practices. Despite these obstacles, the study also identifies opportunities, including traditional water conservation techniques, community-led adaptation initiatives, and the development of solar-powered irrigation systems. The research asserts that closing the adaptation gap necessitates targeted policy interventions, inclusive financial support mechanisms, gender-sensitive land reform, and enhanced institutional capabilities. Implementing these measures is crucial for enhancing rural livelihoods, ensuring food security, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria's most vulnerable regions.


Keywords


Climate change adaptation, irrigation agriculture, obstacles, resilience, Dutse, Jigawa, smallholder farmers, agricultural extension, rural development, and sustainable agriculture.

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v52.2.7454

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