Journal of Global Agriculture and Ecology

Climate change is an increasing threat to food security and rural livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in areas where agriculture depends largely on rainfall. This study explored the effects of climate change on food crop production and rural livelihoods in Adamawa State, Nigeria, with the aim to identify sustainable adaptation strategies. Primary data were collected from 270 farming households across Mubi North, Ganye, and Fufore Local Government Areas using a structured questionnaire. Likert-scale responses were analysed through descriptive statistics, composite index construction, and analysis of variance to examine spatial differences in climate impacts and adaptation responses. The findings show that climate variability and change have had a substantial impact on food crop production in all three LGAs, as evidenced by high Composite Climate Change Impact Index values. Key climate-related challenges identified include erratic rainfall patterns, more frequent droughts, and delayed onset of the rainy season, rising temperatures, and declining soil fertility. These factors have collectively reduced crop yields and adversely affected rural livelihoods, particularly household income and food security. However, the study also revealed differences in adaptation capacity across the LGAs. Areas with higher adoption of climate-smart practices and livelihood diversification strategies experienced lower levels of vulnerability, suggesting that proactive adaptation can buffer the negative effects of climate change. One-way ANOVA results confirmed significant spatial differences in perceived climate change impacts across perceived climate change impacts among the LGAs. Therefore, the study concludes that climate change presents serious challenges to food production and rural livelihoods in Adamawa State. Nevertheless, promoting sustainable, context-specific adaptation strategies can strengthen resilience. These findings provide valuable evidence to guide agricultural and climate policy development, supporting both Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan and broader global climate action objectives.