Mitigation and adaptation strategies to environmental change used by crop farmers in Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State, Nigeria

The study assessed farmers’ utilization of mitigation and adaptation strategies aimed at enhancing resilience to climate and environmental change in the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 240 crop farmers. Primary data were used, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a multivariate Probit regression model and four-point Likert scale. The results reveal that education, extension access, credit access, cooperative memberships, and locations were significant factors influencing on-farm, off-farm adaptive and mitigation strategies among crop farmers. The result further revealed that practices such as the use of renewable energy (solar panels), community-based natural resource management, flood management, forest restoration, water reservoir construction, and sustainable consumption behaviors were largely rarely utilized, moderately utilized or not utilized, mainly due to financial constraints, limited technical knowledge, weak institutional support, and inadequate infrastructure. Although some strategies such as reducing food and water wastage, minimizing agrochemical use, planting shade trees, and engaging in non-farm activities were rarely utilized and moderate levels of utilization, widespread implementation remains limited. Livelihood diversification strategies, including temporary migration and shifts to non-farm activities, were important coping mechanisms, reflecting farmers’ responses to increasing climate-related risks and economic uncertainty. Environmental advocacy actions, such as stopping deforestation and supporting local or seasonal products, were recognized but rarely utilized, indicating low community engagement and limited collective action. The study underscores the need for targeted policy interventions that address financial, institutional, and knowledge barriers, strengthen community participation, and improve access to infrastructure, training, and incentives. Keywords: climate change adaptation, mitigation strategies, sustainable agriculture, farmer resilience, environmental management, rural livelihoods