Understanding Agriculturists' Perception and Adaptation to the Current Climate Patterns in Jaman South Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

This paper examines agriculturists’ perception and adaptation to climate change in Jaman South Municipality of Ghana, utilizing a mixed research approach. The study engaged 150 farmers from five farming communities, alongside 10 local agricultural extension officers. Data were collected through questionnaires and structured interviews administered via face-to-face interactions. The data underwent analysis involving calculations of frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and utilization of the probit regression model. Respondents identified significant changes in rainfall patterns, including shortened planting seasons, reduced rainfall amounts, extreme dry spells, heavy rainfall, erratic patterns, and shifts in onset and cessation. Temperature changes were also reported, with increased daytime and nighttime temperatures. These changes were perceived to have adversely affected crop production in the study area. To this effect, farmers have employed diverse adaptation strategies, such as crop diversification, cover cropping, mulching, crop rotation, composting and use of organic fertilizers, adjusting planting time, land rotation, and use of drought-tolerant crop varieties to tackle these climatic changes. Age, level of education, engagement with extension services, and farmers' experience in farming emerged as the most influential factors for predicting the selection of strategies to adapt to climate change. This study contributes insights to policymakers and practitioners striving to bolster adaptive capacity in the face of climate change.