Climate Change Adaptation among Smallholder Farmers: Evidence from Ghana

Amma Birago Kantanka Gyimah,Alieu Gibba,Nagale Dit Mahamadou Sanogo,M’Koumfida Bagbohouna

doi:10.4236/acs.2020.104032

Abstract

Local discourses on climate change adaptation are very relevant to many developing countries which suffer the most of climate change impacts. Smallholder farmers are a backbone to the Ghanaian economy. However, the activities of smallholder farmers are threatened by climate-related risk increasing their vulnerability. This study aims to review knowledge on climate change adaptation for the ultimate goal of fostering climate-resilience among smallholder farmers. This paper uses purposive sampling to systematically review recent available literature on the theme “adaptation of smallholder farmers in Ghana”. In order to avoid the duplication of the information and track data sources for accuracy purpose, Mendeley version 1.19.4 software was used to incorporate articles while MS EXCEL Version 2019 was used to categorize the types and key examples of adaptation strategies used by smallholders. It was found that the most utilized adaptation types are farm management and technology (67%) and diversification on and beyond the farm (20.6%) with less adoption for knowledge management, networks and governance (5.4%); farm financial management (4%); government interventions in rural infrastructure, the rural health care services, and risk reduction for the rural population (3%). Although the strategies enlisted above help to adapt to climate change, challenges such as poor and unsustainable agricultural practices, socio-cultural constraints, institutional barriers and under-representation of other regions (except Northern Ghana) in the study of climate change adaptation of smallholder farmers in Ghana remain. The study therefore advocates for strengthening the link between research institutions and the extension officers and enhanced deployment of agricultural extension services to smallholder farmers in the rural areas among others.

Highlights

French scientist Jean-Baptiste Fourier in 1827 realized the warming effect of an enhanced greenhouse effect about 200 years ago which led to the recognition of climate change [1]
In order to avoid the duplication of the information and track data sources for accuracy purpose, Mendeley version 1.19.4 software was used to incorporate articles while MS EXCEL Version 2019 was used to categorize the types and key examples of adaptation strategies used by smallholders
It was found that the most utilized adaptation types are farm management and technology (67%) and diversification on and beyond the farm (20.6%) with less adoption for knowledge management, networks and governance (5.4%); farm financial management (4%); government interventions in rural infrastructure, the rural health care services, and risk reduction for the rural population (3%)

Summary

Introduction

French scientist Jean-Baptiste Fourier in 1827 realized the warming effect of an enhanced greenhouse effect about 200 years ago which led to the recognition of climate change [1]. Various arguments have been engaged on the existence of climate change or not. Climate change has been a pertinent issue for over centuries and most countries have been actively involved in its mitigation as the first-generation solution followed by adaptation measure. Climate change as a global phenomenon is a challenge that does affect the economic and physical development of states and communities but is largely a human right and social issue [4]. The agricultural sector remains one of the key sectors that is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its high risk and exposure to climatic variables such as precipitation, temperature and wind on which it depends [5]. The need for adaptation is very evident due to the level of vulnerability in this sector

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Results