IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTION AND AGRI-BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAMME PARTICIPATION AMONG THE MAIZE FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigates the impact of the Climate Change Adaption and Agri-business Support Programme on the welfare of maize farming households in Katsina State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect data from 430 smallholder maize farming households using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, probit regression analysis; independent t-test analysis, and propensity Score-matching techniques. Results of descriptive statistics show that the average age was 48.30 years and 50.52 years for participating and non-participating households respectively. The average household size was 9 persons for participating and non- participating households. It also indicates that the most (89.75%) of participating household heads and 94.85% of the non-participating households were male with only 10.25% and 3.16% respectively being female. Probit model results show that the pseudo-R² value was 21% and likelihood ratio (LR) statistic indicated by chi-square was significant (P>0.000). It was discovered that age, household size, years of formal education, extension contact, access to credit, and participation in the productivity trail revealed positive relationships and significantly influenced participation in the program.  Overall, the empirical result of Propensity Score matching indicate a robust, positive impact of CASP participation on Maize farmers Net farm income, food security at 1% level of significance and per capita assets value at 5% level of significance. This confirms the potential direct role of participation in climate change adaptation programs in improving rural household welfare, as higher income from climate change adaptation strategies translates into lower poverty and food-secured households Therefore, this study recommends policy measures to increase participation of climate change adoption through mainstreaming climate change strategies into productive systems and productive land scape to improve food security, income and households assets among farmers in the area.