International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue XII, December 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Impacts of Climate Change on Crop Production in Rivers State, Nigeria
Dr. Christiana Uzoaru Okorie1, And Dr. Chukwuma Alexander Ezechinnah2
1Department of Adult and Non-Formal Education Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
2Department of Adult Education and Community Development Faculty of Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Nigeria
Abstract: Climate change impact on crop production is a global issue that is contributing to food insecurity, crop farmers in Rivers State are finding it difficult to meet the food demand of the teaming population in the state due to climate change impact. This paper x-rays the impacts of climate change impact on crop production in the state, these include low productivity, loss of biodiversity, breed of conflict or communal crisis, causes displacement of farming communities amongst others. However, to meet up the food demand and also sustenance of rural economy which is dependent on farming, different climate change mitigation and adaptation measures were suggested as way forward for crop farmers in the state.
Keywords: Climate change, adaptation, mitigation and impact.
I. INTRODUCTION
The world has so far suffered and experienced rapid climate changes in terms of different environmental problems such as floods, erosions, tsunamis and earthquakes. These environmental problems influence the production of healthy, safe and affordable food, fibre, and fuel. These environmental problems constitute threat and to global ecological systems which is known as climate change. Climate change refers to changes beyond the average atmospheric condition that are caused both by natural factors such as the orbit of earth’s revolution, volcanic activities and crustal movements and by artificial factors such as the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases and aerosol. The aftermath of climate change is been felt today in all facet of human livelihood, most especially those livelihoods that depend on land and water, which agriculture is one of them. Agriculture both contributes to and is a victim of climate change, the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and animal wastes in agricultural activities accounts for about 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions. This rate will undoubtedly continue to climb because to the rising global population’s increased food need, as well as the increased demand for dairy and meat products and the intensification of agricultural processes. Agricultural processes contribute to multiple climate pollutants (greenhouse gases which include nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), which causes climate change and global warming and significant impact on the sustainability of food production.
Humans have a basic need for food, and maintaining a good diet is important for maintaining our welfare. To fulfil our growing demand for food, a sophisticated and increasingly globalized manufacturing and transportation system emerged.