Rice is an important crop grown globally under different climatic and soil conditions. However, the effects of the interplay between climate variability (CV) and land use changes on rice production have not been well addressed, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Thus, a case study was undertaken in Adani, Enugu state, Nigeria. The aim is to provide further insight on CV and land use interactions and influence on the trend of rice productivity in the study area. The study utilised climate data and satellite imageries of the area. Primary data on perception of farmers regarding rice productivity was also obtained through questionnaire. The climate data was analysed using non-parametric time series analysis (Mann-Kendall and Sen’s slope estimator), while the satellite imageries were analysed using GIS and remote sensing. Results demonstrate that CV has occurred in the area, with noticeable inter-annual fluctuations. The trend shows statistical significance for maximum temperature, rainfall, modified Fournier-Maule index, relative humidity and solar irradiance, while the trend for minimum and mean temperatures and wind speed were statistically insignificant. Within the study period, land cover for the various land use patterns; bare land, built up area and water body increased, whereas vegetation cover diminished. Based on farmers’ data, rice productivity has declined, which is associated with the effects of CV that has affected the land use pattern, in addition to the topography of Adani. The primary concerns believed to be responsible for decline in rice productivity are leaching of nutrients and deposition of toxic metals from resultant flooding effect. Adaptation strategies are therefore recommended in form of remediation methods, particularly phyto-remediation and the utilisation of irrigation facilities in Adani to mitigate the adverse effects that hamper rice productivity.