Considering effective adaptation options to impacts of climate change for maize production in Ghana

Abstract

As a contribution to guide policy planning, effective climate change adaptation options to enhance maize production in Ghana were examined. The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator crop model, coupled with statistical downscaled climate scenarios of 9 general circulation models (GCMs) and farmer practices, were used to device adaptation options in the near future (NF) period of 2046–2065 based on IPCC A2 emission scenario at local scale level in Wa and Wenchi agricultural areas of Ghana. Results from the single-maize cropping season at Wa, in the savanna zone indicate that, a 6-week delay in sowing from 1961 to 2000 baseline date of 1st May to 15th June, was the most appropriate way to offset the negative effects of potential climate change resulting in a yield increase of 8.2%. In the forest-savanna transitional zone of Wenchi, a 4-week delay in the major season sowing date from 15th March to 15th April and no change in the minor season sowing date of 15th August resulted in a slight yield increase of 3.9%. On the other hand, a second adaptation option of using a medium heat-tolerant maize variety produced substantial gains in crop yield of 30.1% and 30.5% in savanna and forest-savanna transitional zones respectively with a longer grain-formation period under NF climate change when compared to delaying sowing dates. Effective adaptation options can thus reduce negative impacts of climate change in the NF, but require enabling policy to support its implementation.