Climatic variability in the Wawa Zange grazing reserve of Gombe State, Nigeria, is marked by erratic rainfall and moderate warming, intensifying water scarcity, pasture degradation, and livestock stress while heightening pastoralist vulnerability. This study assessed rainfall and temperature trends from 1983 to 2023, pastoralist adaptation strategies, livestock performance under climate stress, and institutional responses for sustainable production. The Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI), linear regression, and Mann– Kendall tests were applied to climate records, while Pearson correlation examined rainfall–temperature relationships. Qualitative data were collected from 113 pastoralists, complemented with policy and institutional analysis. Results reveal a significant positive trend in rainfall anomalies (+0.036 units yr⁻¹, p=0.009) alongside modest, statistically insignificant temperature increases (+0.012 °C yr⁻¹, p=0.18). Weak correlation (r≈0.18, p>0.1) indicates rainfall variability as the dominant climatic driver of hydrological recharge and forage availability. Respondents reported pasture decline, drought, and livestock health challenges, while institutional review highlighted weak extension services, fragmented policy delivery, and limited adaptation financing. Findings suggest resilience in Wawa Zange depends on rainfallresponsive strategies, including water harvesting, fodder banking, and rotational grazing, supported by heat mitigation, decentralized extension, and empowered pastoralist councils to strengthen adaptation in the face of rising climate variability.