Farmers Perception of Impact of Climate Change on Shrubs and Grasses in Semi-Arid Areas of Katsina State, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Semi arid environment of Nigeria has been identified as an area highly vulnerable to climate change than other ecological zones of the country and the local people’s perception of biodiversity are vital source of information on pattern of vegetation changes. This study investigates the local perception of impact of climate change on shrubs and grasses in semi arid areas of Katsina state, northern Nigeria. Data were collected through questionnaire administration, focus group discussion, and key informants interview. Majority of the respondents in the six study villages of the three local governments reported late onset, early cessation, decreased duration of rainy season and increasing incidence of dry spell. More than 80% of the sampled villagers reported increasing intensity of temperature and the number of hot days.These changes had adversely affect the availability of plants biodiversity in the area particularly shrubs and grasses which the villagers attributed to the changing pattern of climatic elements particularly rainfall and temperature. More than 75% of shrubs and grasses mentioned by farmers were classified as decreased or disappeared. Findings from this study could be used as baseline information for conservation of species identified to be declining or disappearing in the study area.