Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Climate change poses a significant threat to rural livelihoods, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy (Abubakar & Usman, 2025). Gombe Local Government Area, located in northeastern Nigeria, has witnessed changes in rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, and prolonged droughts, which have adversely affected agricultural productivity (Saleh & Bello, 2024). These climate-related shifts have disrupted crop yields, compromised water availability, and threatened food security for rural communities in the region (Isah et al., 2023). Farmers and pastoralists, who rely heavily on predictable weather patterns for crop planting and livestock rearing, are particularly vulnerable to climate variability. This study aims to investigate the effects of climate change on rural livelihoods in Gombe, focusing on how changing environmental conditions are influencing agricultural practices, food security, and overall rural economic well-being. Understanding these impacts will help inform adaptive strategies and policy interventions aimed at improving resilience to climate change in rural Gombe.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Rural communities in Gombe Local Government Area are facing severe challenges due to the impacts of climate change, including reduced agricultural productivity and heightened food insecurity. Despite the growing recognition of climate change as a significant threat to rural livelihoods, there is limited research on its specific effects in this region of Gombe State. Without adequate understanding, interventions to mitigate climate change’s impact on agriculture and rural economies remain insufficient. This study aims to fill this research gap and provide actionable insights for policymakers and rural communities.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
• To assess the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity in Gombe Local Government Area.
• To evaluate the effect of climate change on food security and rural livelihoods in Gombe.
• To explore adaptation strategies employed by rural communities in Gombe to cope with the effects of climate change.
1.4 Research Questions
• What are the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity in Gombe Local Government Area?
• How has climate change affected food security and rural livelihoods in Gombe?
• What strategies are rural communities in Gombe using to adapt to climate change?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
• H1: Climate change has significantly reduced agricultural productivity in Gombe Local Government Area.
• H2: Climate change has contributed to increased food insecurity in rural Gombe.
• H3: Rural communities in Gombe have adopted various strategies to adapt to the effects of climate change.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it provides insights into how climate change is affecting rural livelihoods in Gombe Local Government Area (Saleh & Bello, 2024). By examining the link between climate variability and agricultural productivity, food security, and overall rural economic well-being, the study will inform local and national efforts to build resilience in vulnerable communities. Additionally, the research will contribute to the body of knowledge on climate change adaptation, offering practical recommendations for policymakers, farmers, and rural development organizations to enhance community resilience and ensure sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate challenges.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is focused on Gombe Local Government Area and examines the effects of climate change on agriculture and rural livelihoods within the region. It will specifically address the impact of climate variability on crop yields, food security, and economic activities, with a focus on adaptation strategies employed by rural communities. The study does not include urban areas or other regions of Gombe State.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
• Climate Change: Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions that affect ecosystems and human activities.
• Rural Livelihoods: The means by which rural communities sustain their living, primarily through agriculture, livestock, and other land-based resources.
• Food Security: The availability, access, and stability of food resources for individuals and households.
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
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