Adapting to Droughts Among Poor Rural Households in Semi-

arid Nigeria: Influencing Factors and Enhancing

Opportunities

Dabi, D., Nyong, A., Adepetu, A., and Ihemegbulem, V.

Second AIACC Regional Workshop for Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, Dakar, Senegal, 24-27 March 2004

Outline

Introduction Problem and Objectives

MethodologyResultsConcluding Remarks

Introduction

Climate is changing with far reaching impactsDrought is a major problem affecting the socioeconomic activities and livelihood of the peopleNot everyone is equally vulnerable and some have already adapted to the phenomenon. So: How have they adapted? what factors influence their capacity to adapt?, and what enhancement opportunities exist to increase

their adaptive capacity?

Study Area

Methodology

Data. Field Observations. Questionnaire administration using Stratified

random sampling technique. Focus Group Discussions.

Analysis. Qualitative analysis using a bottom-up

approach to identify what the households have done to survive earlier droughts.

Quantitative analysis to determine significant factors that influence their adaptive capacities.

Results

Adaptation options: Use of shallow wells Small-scale irrigation initiatives Planting of drought-resistant crop varieties Nomadism (transhumance) Crop and animal diversification Income diversification Fishing Relocation and migration Prayer

Influencing Factors

Resources (The 5 capitals) Natural capital

Depletion of groundwater resources Land desiccation and degradation Desertification

Human capital Quality and quantity of labour Quality of health Quality of education

Influencing Factors 2Economic capital

Financial Poverty Collateral

Physical capital Water supply Road network Electricity

Socio-cultural capital Community and family networks Religion Conflict Information

Government Policy

Enhancing Opportunities for Adaptation

Provision of alternative or additional water sources Sinking of boreholes or tube wells

Change farming practices Limit irrigation practice in water scarce areas Change timing of operations (planting,

irrigating etc) Change crop types (drought-resistant

varieties)

Enhancing Opportunities 2

Change grazing methodsDevelop new technologies and modernization Biotechnology (new crop varieties, hybrids etc) Mechanical (irrigation & tillage techniques etc)

Water management techniques (conjunctive use)Reduce herd sizeDiversification of crops and animals

Enhancing Opportunities 3

Improvement on government policies Education (to improve literacy levels) Research (climatic, agricultural, land use etc) Extension services on information

dissemination Institutional change (credit facilities, pricing

& market policies)

Capacity buildingReligious considerations

Concluding Remarks

These outcomes will serve as input into the Quantitative Data Analysis which will enable us prioritize adaptation options.

Ma fengNa gode

MerciThank you