Abstract
The study examined climate change adaptation and efficiencies of smallholder mushroom farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. Survey research design
was used to sample 120 mushroom farmers using multi-stage random sampling technique. Data for the study were collected from primary sources
through the aid of structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using both descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation
and inferential statistics such as stochastic frontier function. From the result, the study identified farm-level climate change adaptation practices
engaged by the mushroom farmers to include: planting early of fast maturing mushroom variety (3.55), mushroom production technologies (3.42),
pes and disease resistance varieties (3.40), avoid erosion or flood prone areas (3.39) and intensified mulching (3.35). The mean technical efficiency
of the mushroom farmers was 0.731, while their mean allocative efficiency stood a 0.809. Production inputs such as spawn used, farmland,
mushroom substrate, labour, chemical and capital significantly influenced both technical and allocative efficiencies while inefficiency factors also
expectedly affec the inefficiencies of the mushroom farmers. The study therefore concludes tha smallholder mushroom farmers in Abia State are
technically and allocativelly efficient, and they practice notable adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts climate change in their mushroom
production as climate change adaptation practices of the farmers reduces their inefficiencies. Based on the findings and conclusion drawn, the
study recommends proactive extension services and agricultural developmen programmes tha will intensify efforts to train farmers on climate
change adaptation practices. Hence, through intensified training and technology transfer, mushroom farmers can be helped to build resilience in
the face of devastating effects of climate change, and capacity-building programmes focusing on efficien allocation of farm resources to further
enhance efficiency levels of the mushroom farmers to optimize inpu use and improve productivity.
Keywords: Climate change, adaptation, efficiencies, mushroom, smallholder, Abia Statejaerem tofa
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