ROLES OF SOCIAL NETWORKS IN ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AMONG RURAL FARM HOUSEHOLDS IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Social networks are usually based on trust and commitment and are important in the farm households decision-making process on adoption of new innovation. They also served as technical, moral and financial support centres for rural farm households. Climate change presents a great development challenge for the global community in general and particularly for rural farm households in developing countries. Climate-smart agriculture is one strategy aimed to help farmers in the study area adopt more sustainable farming practices. The study looked at adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) and the role of social networks in the process. The objectives of the study were to describe the determinants and barriers affecting farm household adoption of CSAPs in Nigeria; and to explore how social learning and networks contributes to knowledge and decision making during adoption of CSAPs in Nigeria. Primary data were collected on socio-economic and cultural activities among rural farm households, social networks and adopted CSAPs’ used on cultivated parcels using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using percentages, mean and Multivariate Probit model. The multivariate model of CSAPs’ results showed that determinants and constraints for the adoption of agricultural innovation existed at multiple levels. The study concluded and presented evidence of the value of social networks for the adoption of CSAPs, identified the promising social networks that influenced the adoption process. The study suggests a range of factors, such as access to market information, knowledge, social and language barriers, access to extension services, member of a social group, physical or financial access to inputs, institutional or policy support, that could be restricting farmers from adopting CSAPs.