Climate Change Adaptation through Agroforestry and Its Influence on Farmers’ Income in Oyo State, Nigeria
Climate Change Adaptation through Agroforestry and Its Influence on Farmers’ Income in Oyo State, Nigeria

Summary/Abstract: Climate change poses significant risks to agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in Nigeria, particularly among smallholder farmers whose activities are largely rain-fed. Agroforestry has emerged as a climate-smart agricultural practice capable of enhancing resilience while supporting income diversification. This study examined the role of agroforestry in climate change adaptation and its influence on farmers’ income in Lagelu Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 84 farmers using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Results indicated that farming is predominantly male-dominated (73.8%) and concentrated among older age groups (51–60 years), with most farmers operating smallholdings of 1–5 hectares and cultivating staple crops such as maize and cassava. Regression analysis revealed that farmers’ years of experience (β=0.675, P<0.01), knowledge of climate change (β=0.89, P<0.01), and age (β=0.702, P=0.10) were positively associated with income from agroforestry, while larger farm sizes (β=-0.678, P<0.10) and initial adoption of new techniques (β=-0.089, P<0.01) negatively influenced income. Although 88.1% of farmers were aware of climate change, over half had no contact with extension services, highlighting a gap in practical knowledge dissemination. The findings underscore that agroforestry can enhance household income and resilience to climate change, but its effectiveness depends on farmers’ knowledge, experience, and access to technical support. The study recommends strengthening extension services, promoting targeted training, facilitating access to credit and inputs, encouraging gradual adoption of new technologies, and fostering crop diversification to optimize agroforestry outcomes and improve smallholder livelihoods.

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