Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural production and food security in developing countries, particularly affecting smallholder farmers who rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods. This study focuses on analyzing the impact of climate change on agricultural production and food security in Nigeria, using smallholder farmers as a case study. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative interviews with farmers to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in the wake of changing climatic conditions. The introduction provides an overview of the research problem, highlighting the importance of addressing the impact of climate change on agriculture in developing countries. The background of the study explores existing literature on climate change, agriculture, and food security, setting the foundation for the research. The problem statement identifies the gaps in current knowledge and emphasizes the need for a detailed investigation into the specific challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to assess the current impact of climate change on agricultural production and food security, identify the adaptation strategies employed by smallholder farmers, and evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies. The limitations of the study are also acknowledged, including the constraints of time, resources, and access to data. The scope of the study focuses on smallholder farmers in Nigeria, providing a detailed analysis of their experiences and challenges. The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute valuable insights to policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners working in the field of agriculture and climate change adaptation. The structure of the thesis outlines the organization of the research, detailing the chapters and sub-chapters that will be covered in the study. Finally, the definition of terms clarifies key concepts and terms used throughout the thesis, ensuring a common understanding of the research context. Overall, this research aims to shed light on the impact of climate change on agricultural production and food security in developing countries, with a specific focus on smallholder farmers in Nigeria. By examining the challenges faced by these farmers and evaluating their adaptation strategies, this study seeks to provide actionable recommendations to improve resilience and sustainability in the face of a changing climate.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Analysis of the impact of climate change on agricultural production and food security in developing countries: A case study of smallholder farmers in Nigeria" aims to investigate the intricate relationship between climate change, agricultural production, and food security, particularly focusing on the context of developing countries with a specific case study in Nigeria. Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, threatening food production systems and food security worldwide. Developing countries, including Nigeria, are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change due to their reliance on agriculture for livelihoods and food security. Smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of agricultural production in many developing countries, are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts such as erratic weather patterns, droughts, floods, and pest infestations. This research seeks to explore how climate change impacts smallholder farmers in Nigeria, affecting their agricultural production and food security. By conducting a detailed case study, the research aims to understand the specific challenges faced by smallholder farmers in adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change. The study will investigate the strategies employed by farmers to cope with climate change, the barriers they encounter in implementing adaptation measures, and the overall implications for agricultural productivity and food security. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, empirical data collection, and rigorous methodology, this research aims to provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics between climate change, agricultural production, and food security in developing countries. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on climate change adaptation in agriculture and inform policy recommendations to enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers in Nigeria and similar contexts. Overall, this research project is significant as it addresses a critical issue at the intersection of climate change, agriculture, and food security in developing countries. By focusing on smallholder farmers in Nigeria, the study aims to shed light on the challenges faced by vulnerable populations and provide evidence-based recommendations to support sustainable agricultural practices and ensure food security in the face of a changing climate.