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Explora: Environment
and Resource Climate change adaptation through indigenous practices in Ebonyi State

preferred over modern approaches as farmers grow older. of these groups are more likely to discontinue the use of
As farmers age, tasks such as carrying a knapsack sprayer indigenous practices. 19
to apply chemicals or handling inorganic fertilizers
become more cumbersome compared to sprinkling ash 4. Conclusion
or using poultry droppings. Furthermore, the health risks This study highlights the essential roles of indigenous
6
posed by chemical inputs worsen with age. Experienced practices in developing climate change resilience among
farmers tend to implement agronomic practices that farmers in Ebonyi State. It also offers valuable insights
promote environmental conservation and sustainable food into strategies that can be adopted for the efficient and
production. In contrast, younger farmers are more likely sustainable management of climate change effects.
to adopt innovative practices such as using pesticides to Further studies are needed to assess the evolving trends
maximize economic gains, often without fully considering in the adoption of indigenous practices for climate change
environmental impacts. adaptation and mitigation, ensuring that government
The distance from the farmers’ residence to the farm interventions address the actual needs of farmers. To
(β = −0.101) negatively influenced the extent of indigenous mitigate the effects of climate change, farmers have
practice use. Farmers whose farms were located closer to extensively adopted several indigenous practices. Age,
their homes implemented indigenous practices to a greater distance to farm, religion, and cooperative membership
extent than those with farms farther away. Home gardens were significant determinants of the extent to which
are typically more carefully managed and tend to use sweet potato farmers adopted these practices. Competing
fewer inorganic inputs, such as pesticides and herbicides resource use and limited knowledge of potentially feasible
more than long-distance farms. This is partly due to the options were among the key challenges affecting the use of
proximity to children and other vulnerable individuals who indigenous practices.
may harvest crops directly, increasing the importance of Cooperative organizations should encourage the
minimizing chemical use. Rural households also often lack adoption of indigenous climate change adaptation
adequate knowledge of the safe handling and application strategies by promoting the exchange of information and
of agrochemicals. 22 local resilience practices. Agricultural extension service
Religious affiliation of respondents (β = −0.213) providers should support the integration of indigenous
also had a significant negative relationship with the knowledge with modern scientific adaptation strategies
implementation of indigenous adaptation strategies. The through training on climate-resilient farm techniques.
result suggests that strongly Christian respondents are Agricultural Development Banks should facilitate the
more likely to adopt modern climate change adaptation adoption of indigenous practices by providing agricultural
practices. Traditional beliefs, which promote deeper credits and loans. Access to credit will encourage greater
ties with cultural norms and values, tend to support investment in indigenous climate adaptation practices
the use of indigenous practices. Consequently, farmers and enhance farmers’ capacity for resilience. To support
are more inclined to implement practices that align implementation, agricultural development agencies must
with their cultural traditions. Chu et al. and Ankrah expand channels for farmer education and training on
24
indigenous climate strategies.
et al. documented that religious beliefs can positively
25
or negatively moderate participation in traditional Acknowledgments
practices. They argued that religion can influence
personal decisions by shaping farmers’ perceptions and None.
preferences, and that religious institutions can play a
key role in promoting or discouraging the adoption of Funding
indigenous practices. None.
Membership in an agricultural cooperative association Conflict of interest
(β = −0.652) had an inverse relationship with the extent of
indigenous practice use. This finding agrees with Izuogu The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
et al., who reported that 76% of respondents in farmer
23
associations adopted innovative adaptation strategies. Author contributions
Cooperative associations provide access to training and Conceptualization: Loveday Chukwudi Njoku, Ngozi
agricultural information that emphasizes improved Ekunyi Umeh
farm practices with higher returns on investment, often Formal analysis: Chibuzo Uzoma Izuogu, Abraham
overlooking indigenous methods. 23,26 As a result, members Godwin Ominikari

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 6 doi: 10.36922/EER025250048