Determinants of climate-smart agriculture technology adoption among smallholder rice farmers in Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Abstract

Small-scale rice farmers face significant farming challenges posed by climate change, particularly in
Nigeria where the major source of their livelihood is agriculture. This study examined the determinants of
climate smart agricultural (CSA) technologies adoption among small-scale rice farmers in Gwagwalada
Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to describe the
socioeconomic characteristics of small-scale rice farmers, evaluate the various climate smart agricultural
(CSA) technologies adopted by small-scale rice farmers, analyze the factors influencing the adoption of
climate smart agricultural (CSA) technologies among small-scale rice farmers and describe the constraints
faced by small-scale rice farmers in the adoption of climate agricultural (CSA) technologies. A wellstructured
questionnaire was used to gather data from 80 small-scale rice farmers. The data were analyzed
using descriptive statistics and probit regression model. The results revealed that conversational
agricultural practices and mixed cropping had mean values of 3.21 and 3.61 respectively and were the most
widely adopted climate smart agricultural (CSA) technology used, while drought resistant varieties had a
low mean of 2.37. Experience in farming positively influenced CSA adoption (p<0.05), whereas larger farm
negatively influenced CSA adoption (p<0.01). The constraints they faced include poor infrastructure, lack of
credit facilities, inadequate extension services and limited awareness. The study highlights the urgent
implementation for some targeted intervention such as improved access to extension services, credit and
infrastructural development which will greatly enhance the adoption of CSA technologies.