Evaluating the Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Productivity and Farmer Adaptation Strategies: A Case Study of Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria

Thesis Abstract

**Abstract
** Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity worldwide, affecting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who rely heavily on agriculture for their income and sustenance. This research project aims to evaluate the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and explore the adaptation strategies employed by smallholder farmers in Nigeria to mitigate these effects. The study will focus on a case study of smallholder farmers in Nigeria, a country that is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its reliance on rain-fed agriculture and limited resources for adaptation. Through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and field observations, data will be collected to assess the current state of agricultural productivity, the specific challenges faced by smallholder farmers, and the strategies they are employing to adapt to changing climatic conditions. Chapter one provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter two presents a comprehensive literature review covering ten key aspects related to climate change, agricultural productivity, and adaptation strategies. Chapter three delineates the research methodology, detailing the research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and data analysis procedures, among other relevant aspects. Chapter four presents a detailed discussion of the research findings, highlighting the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity and the various adaptation strategies adopted by smallholder farmers in Nigeria. The results of the study are expected to provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Nigeria as a result of climate change and offer recommendations for policy interventions and support mechanisms to enhance their adaptive capacity. In conclusion, this research project contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the impacts of climate change on agriculture and the adaptation strategies employed by smallholder farmers. It underscores the importance of building resilience in agricultural systems to ensure food security and sustainable livelihoods in the face of a changing climate.