Drought Perceptions and Coping Strategies among the Marginalized and Resource Poor Households in the Sudan Savanna Zone: A Case Study of Babura Community, Jigawa State, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue II, February 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Drought Perceptions and Coping Strategies among the Marginalized and Resource Poor Households in the Sudan Savanna Zone: A Case Study of Babura Community, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Ahmed Abubakar¹, Musbahu Abubakar Jibrin², Najib Abdullahi³, Aminu Hussaini⁴, Khalifa Mukhatar Usman⁵

^1,3Sule Lamido University, Kafin-Hausa, Nigeria
^2,4Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
⁵Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract: – This research examines drought perceptions and coping strategies to drought among small holder’s farmers in Babura and its environs. The objective of the study is to examine the awareness of farmers on drought issues as well as to assess the socio economic effects of drought in the study area, and identify the farmer’s adaptation strategies within the farming system in the area. A total of 150 questionnaires were administered to farmers whom were purposively selected. The study findings revealed that farmers are well aware and have much experience on drought. It affects the yield out-put, soil degradation and infestation of pests and diseases. The study conclude by recommending some adaptive and mitigation measures such as irrigation, planting drought resistant variety and afforestation among others.

Keywords: Drought, perceptions, awareness, impacts, adaptation

I. INTRODUCTION

Rainfall variability and drought are the key issues in agricultural production in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world (Abaje et al, 2009). Drought is a period of inadequate rainfall either in time or in space, which results in crop failure, sufficient to cause a severe shortage of food in a rural population (Darkoh, 1993). In many of the sub-Saharan countries including Nigeria, drought and its consequences are historical as well as contemporary problems. It is a periodic phenomenon and its occurrence varies in duration severity and geographical extent (FRN 2003).
Drought is one of the most important natural disasters that show its influences slowly by time. It is one of the costliest natural disasters of the world and affects more people than any other natural disaster (Effeh, 2000). It occurs in virtually all climatic zones, but its characteristics vary significantly from one region to another. Drought is a temporary aberration; it differs from aridity, which is restricted to low rainfall regions and is a permanent feature of climate (FRN, 2003).

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