ABSTRACT
Since the 1990s, more variable rainfall patterns have presented challenges for rainfed agriculture in Central Nigeria, resulting in shorter wet seasons with later onset and earlier cessation of rainfall. This chapter reviews the top five climate-smart agriculture practices in the Benue region of Central Nigeria: traditional parklands, intercropping, citrus orchards, improved varieties, and zero tillage. Traditional tree species in farmlands supported family income, provided shade, and aided soil conservation. The intercropping system showed low effects from competition, with higher yields compared to monoculture. Citrus orchards complemented family income with more stable net returns, especially on smaller farms. Improved crop varieties helped farmers utilise shorter rain periods. Finally, zero tillage returned the highest net benefits for smaller farms, saved on land preparation costs, reduced soil erosion, and conserved soil moisture for annual crops. The chapter also provides examples that demonstrate the relevance of secure land tenure and rural investments. Full implementation of relevant policies, especially the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, and the distribution of subsidised agricultural inputs by the federal government to strengthen agricultural-extension services would further farmers’ access to inputs and to information on adapting to rainfall variability.
