Impact of Climate Change on the Livelihood Patterns of Rural Dwellers in Cross River State, Nigeria

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of climate change phenomenon on the socioeconomic activities of the rural dwellers of Cross River State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey methodology was adopted in the study. The methodology provided an opportunity to explain the concept of climate change and its impact on livelihood patterns. A survey on livelihood patterns of rural dwellers was conducted. A questionnaire on socio-cultural and economic activities of rural dwellers for the past five years was used in data collection. Data on climate change and its impact was collected using secondary source of data and observed climate extremities such as on and off set rainfall, prolonged drought and other climate variability. The impact of climate variability was analyzed using lots of means of livelihood by the rural dwellers. The study established that climate change has impacted on the livelihood patterns of rural dwellers. It is suggested that mitigation and coping strategies such as mulching, planting of cover crops, tree planting, home garden and hedgerow planting should be adopted in the affected rural areas in order to promote sustainable development.