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Effects of climate change on agro-pastoralists’ economy and adaptation strategies used in Southeast, Nigeria

This study examined the effects of climate change on agro-pastoralists in Southeast, Nigeria. It specifically ascertained agro-pastoralists’ perception of climatic changes, effects of climate change on pastoralists’ economy and the strategies adopted by agro-pastoralists to withstand shocks from climatic changes. A total of 120 agro-pastoralists were selected randomly from three states (Imo, Abia and Enugu). Questionnaire and oral interview were used to collect the data that was analyzed descriptively. A mean (M) response of 2.50 was used to determine agreement with observed changes in climate. Results showed that the respondents had a positive perception of climate change as seen in their response that the amount of rainfall reduced (M=3.15), rainfall increase sometimes (M=3.01), increase flooding (M=2.90), changes in wind blowing pattern (M=3.31) among others. Climate changes have led to loss of animals due to migration (M=2.84), unexpected death of animal (M=3.30), starvation of pastoralists (M=3.15), changes in herbage quality (M=3.21), total loss of crops due to drought (M=3.01), dryness of water sources (M=2.74) among others. The following adaptation measures were taken -supplementing livestock feed, livestock migration and diversification, sale of animals before bad times, digging of water holes for animals among other strategies. We recommend that government should provide the enabling environment for modern grazing and ranching of animals for the agro-pastoralists to continue their business.