Abstract
This study analyzed the farmer-perceived importance of adaptation practices to climate change and examined the barriers that impede adaptation. Perceptions about causes and effects of long-term changes in climatic variables were also investigated. A total of 100 farmer-households were randomly selected from four communities in the Lawra district of Ghana. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs). The results showed that 87% of respondents perceived a decrease in rainfall amount, while 82% perceived an increase in temperature over the past 10 years. The study revealed that adaptation was largely in response to dry spells and droughts (93.2%) rather than floods. About 67% of respondents have adjusted their farming activities in response to climate change. Empirical results of the weighted average index analysis showed that farmers ranked improved crop varieties and irrigation as the most important adaptation measures. It also revealed that farmers lacked the capacity to implement the highly ranked adaptation practices. The problem confrontation index analysis showed that unpredictable weather, high cost of farm inputs, limited access to weather information, and lack of water resources were the most critical barriers to adaptation. This analysis of adaptation practices and constraints at farmer level will help facilitate government policy formulation and implementation.
Highlights
Climate change prediction models have indicated that the Sudan and Guinea Savanna zones of Ghana will continue to experience increasing temperature and decreasing precipitation trends [1]
Similar results were obtained from the focus group discussion
A total of 87% of respondents claimed that the rainfall amount has been decreasing over the past 10 years, 6% perceived no change in precipitation, and 7% gave other responses
Summary
Climate change prediction models have indicated that the Sudan and Guinea Savanna zones of Ghana will continue to experience increasing temperature and decreasing precipitation trends [1]. This confirms previous findings that between 2030 and 2039 the rainy season might start in June or even later in Northern Ghana [2]. The implications are that Northern Ghana would witness more extreme weather conditions such as droughts, dry spells, and floods. This situation will eventually affect agriculture, the environment, and human livelihoods. Adaptation practices are needed to help agrarian communities better face extreme weather conditions associated with climate variations [6]
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