Abstract
Climate variability and change presents enormous risk to agricultural production globally due to the impacts on yields. While global scholarship on climate change impacts and adaptation measures on agriculture has been well-documented, little is known about climate and pineapple production. This study examined smallholder pineapple farmers experiences of climate variability and change on production, as well as ranked adaptation options using data from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data consisted of survey and focus group discussions in four major pineapple growing districts in Ghana. The analysis revealed that pineapple farmers experience climate variability and change evidenced mainly through irregular rainfall patterns and rising temperatures. These changes cause reduction in fruit size and yield, change in colour and taste, and consequently, reduction in income from pineapple production. Although diverisification of livelihood away from pineapple cultivation emerged as the main adaptation option employed by smallholder pineapple farmers studied, it has the potential to reduce pineapple production in Ghana. For improvement and sustainability of the pineapple industry in Ghana, future studies should investigate the vulnerability of the production system to changing climate to effectively identify exposure and sensitivity of pineapple production to climatic changes. This will in effect, enhance identification of measures that will improve production as well as promote adaptation of the smallholder production systems to climate variability and change. Key words: Climate variability, change, smallholder farmers, adaptation, pineapple production.
Highlights
Pineapple is an important crop that significantly contributes to the economy of Ghana (Badu-Gyan, 2015; Whitfield, 2016)
Results of the analysis further show the least ranked measure that could be considered as the least effective adaptation strategy for pineapple farmers (Table 2)
In response to the effects of climatic changes on pineapple production experienced by farmers, acess to weather information needs to be timely and prioritized to help farmers in their decision making processes
Summary
Pineapple is an important crop that significantly contributes to the economy of Ghana (Badu-Gyan, 2015; Whitfield, 2016). It is estimated that in 2011, about. 40,000 tons of pineapples were exported from Ghana to Europe (Kleemann et al, 2014).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
