Analysis of the effects of climate variability on maize yields in Tano North District, Ahafo Region, Ghana

Abstract

This study focuses on the effects of climate variability on maize yields in Tano North District for a 20-year period spanning 1995 to 2015. The Department for International Development model, the “Livelihood Sustainable Framework” was used to drive the tenets of the study which was informed by the Action Theory of Adaptation. Three farming communities namely; Duayaw Nkwanta, Yamfo and Tanoso were purposively selected for the study. A cross sectional study design, mixed method and pragmatic research approaches were used for the study whilst the probability and non-probability sampling methods were applied for the selection of the sample. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools like frequency using percentages and charts to present the final results. The thematic analyses were used for qualitative data based on common themes in the different responses and direct quotations were used to support the themes to address the research questions. Maize farmers observed that declining rainfall and increasing temperature had a significant negative influence on maize yields which means climate variability has had negative effects on maize yields. Coping and adaptation strategies to address the effects of climate variability on maize yields include on-farm adaptation strategies like application of agro chemicals, crop diversification, change in farm location, irrigation and off-farm adaptation strategies like migration, trading, poultry and livestock rearing. The findings have justified the Action Theory of Adaptation and the conceptual framework of the DFID’s Livelihood Sustainable Framework. Key words: Climate variability, maize farmers, coping strategies, adaptation strategies, Tano North District (TND), and cross sectional study design.