Abstract

This study examines the knowledge of youth farmers in Benue State of Nigeria on climate change. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents from two agricultural zones in the study area. Data was collected using interview schedule. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis. Results show that majority (92.4%) of the respondents had moderate knowledge of climate change, major sources of climate change information include: radio (85.0%), friends and neighbours (60.8%), personal observation (55.8%), and family members (46.7%). The socio-economic factors affecting knowledge of climate change by youth farmers include: sex (t = 2.353; p ≤ 0.022) and household size (t = 3.888; p = 0.000). It was recommended that the knowledge level of youth farmers on climate change should be improved by providing them relevant information through the mass media, movies; and by providing climate change educational platforms in schools and through outreaches.

Key words: Climate change, knowledge level, youth farmers, rural farming, socio-economic, Benue State.