Effect of Climate Change on Pineapple Production in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the perception and mitigation/ coping strategies of climate change on pineapple
production in Ejigbo Local Government Area, Osun State. Fluctuating rainfall pattern, declining agricultural
productivity, and rising numbers of heat waves are the observed changes in the climate which poses a threat to
food security in the country. One hundred pineapple farmers in the study area were purposively selected.
Information on their demographic as well as production systems was collected with the aid of well-structured
questionnaires. Descriptive analysis was done using percentages and frequencies. The result shows that
drought is a major factor that affect matured suckers and fruit yield of pineapple. Only few farmers have
irrigation facilities to augment water requirements of the crop. Most times, farmers have to wait till the onset of
rains before they start selling suckers. Recommendations include increased investment in irrigation and
research into the development of drought resistant pineapple varieties.