Influence of Land Tenure Arrangement on Climate-Smart Technology Adoption: Evidence from Smallholder Maize Farming Communities in Nigeria

Land tenure arrangement is of great importance in the selection of climate-smart technologies to maintain environmental protection, productivity, and economic growth. This study examines the impact of socio-economic factors and land tenure arrangements on the adoption of climate-smart technologies among maize farmers in Nigeria, utilizing the probit model and a multi-stage sampling technique from 120 farmers. The findings show that key technologies, such as improved seeds, inorganic fertilizers, maize-legume intercropping, and pest-disease control, are commonly adopted by farmers, with tenure length and security significantly influencing adoption rates. Specifically, farmers with longer tenure lengths were more likely to adopt sustainable technologies, while those with insecure tenure tended to favor short-term solutions. Other factors such as age, farming experience, education, farm size, and marital status were also significant determinants. Thus, intensive farmers' education and sensitization about climate-smart technologies are essential for inclusive adoption. The government must be intentional about youth-friendly policies to make climate-smart technologies appealing to farmers.