Vol. 7, Issue 11, Part A (2025)

This study examined the determinants of livelihood options of farm households under changing climatic conditions in Southeast Nigeria. A total of 360 respondents were selected through a multistage sampling procedure across Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi States. Primary data were obtained using structured questionnaires, complemented by secondary weather data (2001-2020). Analysis employed descriptive statistics, rainfall anomaly index, Z-test, and multinomial regression. Results revealed significant variability in rainfall and temperature, with alternating periods of flooding and drought. Results showed that 71% of respondents were male, with an average age of 56 years and household size of seven. About 52% were married, 40% attained primary education, and 83% had not migrated. The average farm size was 2.15 hectares and mean annual income ₦507,205.56k. Major livelihood options included agro-processing (20.8%), wage labor (18.3%), tricycle operation (14.4%), petty trading (11.9%), and carpentry/furniture (10.8%). Other options comprised food vending (8.9%), plumbing/painting (8.3%), GSM repair (7.5%), vulcanizing (6.7%), tile work (6.1%), and hairdressing (3.9%). The study found that rainfall variability, extreme temperatures, and shifting rainfall onset/cessation significantly reduced agricultural productivity, forcing farmers into non-farm activities. It concludes that climate variability threatens rural livelihoods and recommends climate-smart policies, early warning systems, and promotion of sustainable non-farm enterprises.