Adesoji Aminat Olajumoke*, AJ Farinde and SA Adesoji

Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: Adesoji Aminat Olajumoke, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife, Nigeria.

Received: March 18, 2025; Published: November 18, 2025

Abstract

Climate change presents a critical environmental challenge with far-reaching socio-economic and biophysical consequences. This study examines the vulnerability of food crop farmers in southwestern Nigeria to climate change, focusing on gender and geographical disparities. Employing a convergent mixed-method research design, data were collected from 360 food crop farmers across Oyo and Osun States using structured interviews and key informant discussions. Findings reveal that male and female farmers are susceptible to climate change effects such as erratic rainfall, increased pests, and declining soil fertility. However, female farmers exhibit higher vulnerability due to limited land access, financial constraints, and dependence on subsistence agriculture. Adaptation strategies vary across genders, with male farmers favouring crop rotation and irrigation, while female farmers emphasize fertilizer application and weather monitoring before planting. Statistical analysis indicates a significant difference in vulnerability between agroecological zones, with food crop farmers in certain regions experiencing higher climate-induced risks. The study concludes that female farmers remain disproportionately affected while both genders actively engage in farming and employ adaptation measures. It recommends targeted interventions such as improved climate adaptation training, enhanced access to credit, and gender-sensitive agricultural policies to mitigate the impact of climate change on food security and rural livelihoods.

Keywords: Climate change; Geography; Food Crop Farmers

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Citation

Citation: Adesoji Aminat Olajumoke., et al. “Vulnerability in the Face of Climate Change is No Respecter of Gender or Geography: The Case of Food Crop Farmers in Southwestern Nigeria". Acta Scientific Agriculture 9.11 (2025): 03-17.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2025 Adesoji Aminat Olajumoke., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.