INTER-GENDERED PERCEPTIONS AND ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE IN BOKKOS LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

ant challenges to smallholder farmers in Nigeria, necessitating the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA). This study examined gender-differentiated perceptions and adoption of CSA practices among smallholder farmers in Bokkos District, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study aimed to identify socio demographic influences, assess perception of climate variability, and analyze gender-based differences in CSA adoption. Employing a descriptive survey research design and mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 399 respondents across 13 villages using multi-stage cluster sampling. Tools included household surveys, key informant interviews, and secondary climate data (1994–2024). Analytical techniques comprised descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and time series analysis. Results revealed no significant gender differences in socio demographic factors, although women reported slightly younger age, less farming experience, and greater land tenure insecurity. Climate perceptions were largely similar, except for windstorms, with women more likely to perceive increased occurrence (χ² = 10.989, p = 0.004). Climatic data showed moderate rainfall variability without a significant trend and a surprising local temperature decline. CSA adoption rates did not differ significantly by gender; however, female adoption was negatively influenced by household size and land tenure insecurity. Education, particularly secondary level, emerged as the strongest predictor of CSA adoption across both genders. The study concludes that while gender perceptions and CSA adoption are broadly aligned, structural barriers uniquely constrain women. Recommendations include strengthening women's land rights, tailoring extension services to female needs, supporting microcredit access, and promoting co-creation of CSA practices, and enhancing access to climate forecasts