Effects of climate adaptation on households’ livelihood vulnerability in South Tongu and Zabzugu districts of Ghana

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study analysed the effects of climate adaptation strategies on households’ livelihood vulnerability, by using primary data from 300 farm households in the north (Zabzugu district) and south (South Tongu district) of Ghana. From a Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and LVI-IPCC index, the results established that the average farmer was moderately vulnerable, with farmers in the north showing significantly higher vulnerability than those in the south of Ghana. Exposure to climate change was found to contribute more to the vulnerability of the farm households. The beta regression analysis shows that row planting and use of early maturing varieties had positive significant effects on vulnerability, while refilling, strip cropping, mulching, and land rotation had negative significant effects on vulnerability. From a 2SLS, there is a positive feedback between livelihood vulnerability and climate adaptation intensity. Considering the low adoption, and the importance of strip cropping, mulching, and land rotation in reducing the vulnerability farm households, there is the need for actors in the agriculture sector to establish demonstration farms to train farmers on how to adopt as well as the benefits of these technologies. Also, credit opportunities should be made available to farmers especially those in Farmer-Based Organisations.