Climate Change Perceptions and Smart Agricultural Practices among Goat Farmers in Bassa, Plateau State, Nigeria

This study analyzed climate change perceptions and smart agricultural practices among goat farmers in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau state, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for the study. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires. Statistical and inferential techniques were used for data analysis. The results of the study revealed that the socioeconomic characteristics significantly affected goat farmer’s adoption decisions. The most significant effect of climate change on flock performance was indicated through pest and disease infestation (3.44). Irregular rainfall pattern (3.3) had the most significant effect on grazing land. Semi-extensive systems (3.51) were the most prevalent farm management practice; however the level of adoption of smart agricultural practices was relatively low among the respondents. The estimated Nagelkerke R2 was 0.678, suggesting that 68% of the variation in farmer’s adoption decision was accounted for by the variables in the regression model. Also, all the constraints identified significantly affected their adoption decisions. Efforts to ameliorate these adoption constraints are strongly recommended.