Murtala AM, Weli VE* and Arokoyu SB
This study is about climate change and the implication it portends for rural resource elements in Katsina State. The research adopted a cross-sectional research design. Data for the study were generated from the administration of a questionnaire on respondents in the study area. The data obtained for the study were presented in tables and statistical diagrams. The findings include; the causes of climate change were noted to be emission of obnoxious gases such as CO2, CO, CH4, O3 and CFCs (17.35%) into the atmosphere, deforestation, land clearing/burning of bush for agricultural and constructional works (19.6%) heating of homes, burning of fossil fuels as well as the smelting of iron (15.8%), gas flaring and other industrial activities (15.6%) and volcanic eruption and other natural phenomenon (14.8%). The rural resources at risk due to climate change include vegetation cover (18.6%), Grasslands (20.7%), livestock and bush meat (17.9%), arable land (18.4%), water resources (15.6%) and fisheries resources (8.9%). The use of modern varieties of farm inputs (58.5%) and soil erosion prevention measures (45.8%) are some of the adaptation measures to climate change. The implication of the threat of climate change to the locals is that their major sources of income and livelihood is threatened, effects of which could escalate migration, crime, theft, hunger, malnutrition or death. As a result of the findings, the study thus recommends diversification of the sources of income, afforestation and reforestation and intensify campaign for the complete reduction in the emissions levels of obnoxious gases.
