Danalami Arabs Rukujei

Keywords: Women farmers, climate change, livelihood, land tenure, adaptive strategies

Abstract

Climate change severely disrupts rural livelihoods in northern Nigeria, compelling women farmers to diversify in response to erratic rainfall, droughts, and resource scarcity. This study investigates whether these responses represent proactive adaptive strategies or reactive distress diversification among women farmers in Billiri Local Government Area, Gombe State. A concurrent mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative surveys (n = 323 women farmers) with qualitative focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and thematic analysis within the sustainable livelihood’s framework. Results reveal heavy reliance on seasonally variable natural assets (91.6% well access, primarily wet-season), small and fragmented land holdings (77.4% in one location), and limited ownership rights (74.9%), despite reported equity in access (87.0%). Common responses include crop farming (89.8%) and animal rearing (49.8%), but transformative practices like agroforestry remain low (11.1%). Regression analysis confirms that natural assets significantly predict livelihood sustainability (β = 0.640, p < 0.001), yet cultural, financial, and environmental barriers drive distress-oriented coping rather than long-term adaptation. The study concludes that current responses are largely survival- driven, perpetuating vulnerability. Gender-transformative interventions, including secure land tenure, improved water access, and targeted climate- smart training, are recommended to foster genuine adaptive capacity and enhance resilience in rural Gombe.

Author Biography

Danalami Arabs Rukujei

Department Of Social Standard Development Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Centre of Excellence, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria

Email: [email protected]

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