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Title: Exploring the Adaptation to Climate Change to Achieve Household Food Security: A

Case Study of the Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme

Summary

Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural systems worldwide, impacting food

security and livelihoods, particularly in developing countries. Nigeria, like many other countries,

is grappling with the adverse effects of climate change on its agricultural sector and the

consequent threat to household food security. In response to these challenges, the Climate

Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme was implemented in selected regions

of Nigeria from 2015-2021 to curb these challenges. This research proposal examines adaptation

to climate change to achieve household food security, focusing on the Climate Change

Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme. The research will be conducted in Zamfara

State, Nigeria, which was a participant in the Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness

Support Programme. This choice of location allows for a focused investigation into the

experiences and knowledge of households in the region regarding climate change adaptation and

its impact on food security. A mixed-methods approach will be employed, primarily utilizing

qualitative research methods to gain an in-depth understanding of the subject matter. Semi-

structured interviews will be conducted with selected households to explore their experiences,

challenges, and strategies related to climate change adaptation and household food security.

Focus groups will also be organized with stakeholders such as farmers, program implementers,

policymakers, local community leaders, and NGOs. These discussions will facilitate the

exploration of diverse perspectives and the identification of common themes and patterns. The

evaluation of the Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme's impact on

food security indicators will enable evidence-based decision-making and the refinement of
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existing programs to better meet the needs of vulnerable communities. Through identification of

barriers and challenges faced by farmers in adopting climate change adaptation strategies, the

research will inform the design of targeted interventions and capacity-building initiatives,

leading to more effective and specific approaches to enhance adaptive capacity among farmers.

Hence, the propose research will contribute to improved food security, increased resilience, and

sustainable livelihoods in the face of climate change challenges. The empirical data and insights

generated will add to the existing body of scientific literature.

Statement of Research

The current exchange rate between the dollar and the Naira in Nigeria, which currently stands at

1,250.50, has deeply affected me as I observe the sad reality faced by Nigerians struggling to

afford basic food necessities. The rising cost of food due to this exchange rate has developed my

interest in tackling household food insecurity in Nigeria, and the resulting economic challenges

brought by fluctuating exchange rates. This research is fueled by my commitment to identifying

effective adaptation strategies to ease the burden on Nigerians striving for food security amidst

ongoing exchange rate fluctuations. Motivated by the urgent need to tackle these challenges, this

research aims to comprehensively evaluate the Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness

Support Programme's response to these issues. Through a thorough examination of the program's

initiatives, such as promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices and supporting

agribusinesses, I aim to assess its effectiveness in ensuring household food security, particularly

amidst economic volatility.

This research provides an opportunity for me to make a meaningful impact on the discourse

surrounding climate change adaptation and its implications for food security. Findings from this

study will help identify potential strategies to mitigate the adverse effects on vulnerable
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communities and improve their access to affordable and nutritious food. Through an in-depth

case study of the Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme, I aim to

generate valuable empirical data to inform policy interventions in relation to national efforts to

address similar challenges.

Intellectual Merit (Literature Review)

The Nigerian government, in 2013, secured a $72.46 million loan from the International Fund for

Agricultural Development (IFAD) under its Climate Change Adaptation Agribusiness Support

Program. This program aimed to address the challenges posed by climate change and promote

household food security in seven states within the Savanna Belt region of Nigeria, including

Jigawa, Yobe, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Borno States. The Climate Change

Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Program in the Savannah Belt (CASP) spanned a period of

six years, from 2015 to 2021 (Oradi, 2020). Despite the positive contributions made by the

program, food security remains a significant problem in Nigeria. Although the CASP received

substantial financial support, with IFAD providing $72.46 million in financing and Nigeria

contributing $5.77 million as domestic support, the challenges of achieving household food

security in the face of climate change persist (Akoji and Abdulmalik, 2023).

The Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme (CASP) in Nigeria was

designed with the objective of enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems, improving

productivity, and promoting sustainable agribusiness practices. However, the program

encountered several obstacles that significantly hindered its ability to make a substantial impact

on achieving food security in the country. Implementation challenges, such as limited funding,

inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient technical capacity, posed significant barriers to the

program's success. Moreover, the program's limited duration of six years may have constrained
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its ability to bring about long-term and sustainable changes in the agricultural sector. Achieving

food security requires comprehensive and sustained efforts that go beyond the timeframe of a

single program. The CASP's relatively short duration might have limited its capacity to fully

address the underlying issues and create lasting solutions.

Researching the adaptation to climate change and its impact on household food security,

specifically through a case study of the Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support

Programme, provides immense value in gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and

limitations faced in addressing food security in Nigeria. By investigating the effectiveness of the

program, examining the obstacles encountered during implementation, and analyzing the

complex relationship between climate change, agricultural systems, and socioeconomic factors,

this research can provide valuable insights that will hopefully inform policymakers in developing

more sustainable strategies to successfully achieve food security in the face of a changing

climate.

Research Objectives

The general objective of this research proposal is to assess the effectiveness of the Climate

Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme in enhancing household food security

in third-world countries. The research aims to address the low level of awareness among food

producers, such as farmers, in these countries, compared to developed countries where

government policies, NGO support, and citizen-led movements advocate for a safer environment.

The role of international organizations, such as the United Nations Environment Programme

(UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in supporting climate change

adaptation and food security initiatives in Nigeria will also be evaluated.

The specific objectives of this research include:

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1. Evaluate the impact of the Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support

Programme on household food security in selected regions of Nigeria.

2. Identify barriers and challenges faced by farmers in adopting climate change adaptation

strategies in Nigeria.

3. Assess the role of international organizations in supporting climate change adaptation and

food security initiatives in Nigeria.

4. Investigate the socio-economic impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers'

livelihoods in Nigeria.

5. Provide policy recommendations for enhancing climate change adaptation and achieving

household food security in Nigeria.

Rationale

The propose research holds significant importance due to the pressing challenges posed by

climate change on household food security. Unlike developed countries where government

policies, NGO support, and citizen-led movements actively advocate for a safer environment and

promote climate change adaptation, the level of awareness and support among food producers,

particularly farmers, in third-world countries is generally low. This research aims to address this

critical knowledge gap by evaluating the effectiveness of the Climate Change Adaptation and

Agribusiness Support Programme in enhancing household food security in Nigeria with the aim

of understanding of the program's impact on vulnerable communities. With limited empirical

evidence available, this study will reveal the direct and indirect effects of the program. These

findings will hopefully inform policymakers about the efficacy of such interventions and guide

future policy and programmatic decisions.

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Furthermore, identifying the barriers and challenges faced by farmers in adopting climate change

adaptation strategies, the research will bring to limelight the specific factors hindering their

awareness, acceptance, and implementation of sustainable practices. Identifying these challenges

is crucial for designing targeted interventions and capacity-building programs to enhance

farmers' adaptive capacity. Moreover, by assessing the role of international organizations, such

as UNEP and FAO, in supporting climate change adaptation and food security initiatives in

Nigeria, the research will reveal the effectiveness of external interventions and identify best

practices that can be encouraged.

Scope of study

The scope of this study focuses on households in Zamfara State, Nigeria, as participants in the

Federal Government Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme in the

Savannah Belt that ended in 2021 (IFAD, 2021). Zamfara State was chosen as the study area due

to its involvement in the aforementioned programme, and the assumption that households in this

region possess valuable knowledge and experiences regarding climate change adaptation and its

impact on household food security. The research will aim to gain a specific understanding of the

adaptation strategies employed by households in Zamfara State, as well as their perspectives on

the effectiveness of the Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme in

addressing their needs. By utilizing qualitative methods such as interviews and focus groups, this

study seeks to generate detailed insights into the challenges, successes, and lessons learned from

the programme implementation, with a particular focus on its contribution to achieving

household food security.

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Research Design and Methods

The research will employ a mixed-methods approach to achieve its objectives. The propose

research methodology will comprise:

1. Research Design:

 This study will utilize a qualitative research design to gain an in-depth

understanding of the adaptation to climate change and its impact on household

food security within the context of the Climate Change Adaptation and

Agribusiness Support Programme.

 Qualitative methods such as interviews and focus groups will be employed to

collect data.

2. Population and Sampling:

 The most suitable population for this study would be households participating in

the Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme.

 A purposive sampling technique will be used to select participants who have

direct experience with the programme and are representative of different

socioeconomic backgrounds, geographical locations, and farming practices.

 The sample size will depend on the saturation of data, where data collection

continues until no new insights or information are emerging from the interviews

or focus groups.

3. Data Collection:
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a. Interviews:

 Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with selected households to explore

their experiences, challenges, and strategies regarding climate change adaptation

and household food security.

 The interviews will be guided by a set of open-ended questions covering topics

such as climate change impacts, adaptive practices, access to support services, and

the effectiveness of the Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support

Programme.

 Interviews can be conducted face-to-face or remotely (e.g., via video

conferencing or phone calls) based on participant preferences and logistical

feasibility.

b. Focus Groups:

 Focus groups will be organized with relevant stakeholders, including farmers,

programme implementers, policymakers, local community leaders, and NGOs.

 The focus groups will facilitate interactive discussions among participants,

allowing for the exploration of diverse perspectives, sharing of experiences, and

identification of common themes and patterns.

 The discussions will revolve around topics such as the design and implementation

of the programme, challenges faced, lessons learned, and the impact of the

programme on household food security.

4. Data Analysis:
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 The collected data from interviews and focus groups will be transcribed and

analyzed using thematic analysis.

 Thematic analysis involves identifying and coding patterns, themes, and

categories within the data.

 The analysis will be an iterative process, where themes and sub-themes will

emerge from the data, and relationships between them will be explored to answer

the research questions.

5. Ethical Considerations:

 Informed consent will be obtained from all participants before data collection,

ensuring their voluntary participation, confidentiality, and anonymity.

 Ethical guidelines will be followed throughout the research process to protect the

rights and well-being of the participants.

 Institutional review board (IRB) approval, if applicable, will be obtained to ensure

compliance with ethical standards.

6. Limitations:

 It is important to acknowledge the limitations of qualitative research, such as the

potential for subjective interpretations and the limited generalizability of findings.

 The study's findings will be specific to the context of the Climate Change

Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme and may not be directly

applicable to other regions or programs.

Feasibility

The removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has resulted in a fuel price of 680

Naira per liter in the researchers’ state of residency, significantly impacting the research budget
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and logistical considerations. To mitigate the high fuel costs, the research intends to optimize a

less expensive research design to minimize the need for extensive fieldwork and physical travel.

Through the adoption of data collection methods such as online surveys and virtual interviews,

we can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for researchers to travel, thereby mitigating the

impact of high fuel costs. This approach will allow us to gather necessary data while minimizing

fuel expenses.

Finally, accessing information on specific government programs, such as the Climate Change

Adaptation Agribusiness Support Program under the Nigerian government's Development

(IFAD) in 2013, can be challenging, particularly when it comes to impact assessment. To

overcome this feasibility challenge, the researcher intends to establish direct contact and

collaboration with relevant government agencies and departments responsible for implementing

and monitoring the program can facilitate access to information and data.

Potential Outcomes

This research is expected to have significant outcomes that will impact both society and science.

Firstly, at the societal level, the findings of this research will provide valuable insights and

recommendations to policymakers, practitioners, and development organizations working

towards enhancing household food security in third-world countries, with a specific focus on

Nigeria. The evaluation of the Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support

Programme's impact on food security indicators will enable evidence-based decision-making and

the refinement of existing programs to better meet the needs of vulnerable communities. By

identifying barriers and challenges faced by farmers in adopting climate change adaptation

strategies, the research will inform the design of targeted interventions and capacity-building

initiatives, leading to more effective and context-specific approaches to enhance adaptive

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capacity among farmers. This, in turn, will contribute to improved food security, increased

resilience, and sustainable livelihoods in the face of climate change challenges.

Additionally, this research will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of

climate change adaptation and its implications for food security. The study will generate

empirical data and insights on the effectiveness of the Climate Change Adaptation and

Agribusiness Support Programme, adding to the existing body of scientific literature. The

findings will provide a basis for comparative analyses with similar programs implemented in

other regions and identification of best practices that can be applied in different geographical and

socio-economic environments.
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Preliminary List of References

Akoji, E., and Abdulmalik, L. (December 22, 2023). Investigation: Uncertainties Over Execution

Of IFAD Projects In Jigawa, Yobe Despite Release Of Funds. Retrieved

from https://crossriverwatch.com/2023/12/investigation-uncertainties-over-execution-of-

ifad-projects-in-jigawa-yobe-despite-release-of-funds/

Alao, O. E. (2020). Climate Change and the Crisis of Food and Human Security in Nigeria.

International Journal of Migration and Global Studies (IJMGS), 72. Retrieve

fromhttps://api-ir.unilag.edu.ng/server/api/core/bitstreams/4ef63f7b-63c1-4848-8143-

0b81a679ae10/content#page=81

Ologeh, I. O., Akarakiri, J. B., and Sobanke, V. O. (2020). Assessment of Climate Change-

Induced Migration of Crop Farmers in Northern Nigeria. Handbook of Climate Change

Management: Research, Leadership, Transformation, 1-17

Oradi, O. (2020). Introduction: Nigeria's Response To the Climate Change Conundrum.

Retrieved fromhttp://repository.elizadeuniversity.edu.ng/handle/20.500.12398/771

Orakwue, C. A. (2020). At the Frontline of Land Restoration and Sustainable Live-lihood: An

Analysis of the Implementation of Nigeria’s Great Green Wall (Doctoral dissertation,

Master’s thesis, International Institute of Social Studies, Hague, Netherlands).

Ugbem, C. E. (2019). Climate Change and Insecurity in Northern Nigeria. Int. J. Innov. Soc. Sci.

Humanit. Res, 7, 10-20.