Agricultural Adaptation Strategies Research Articles

Exploring adaptation strategies for smallholder farmers in dryland farming systems and impact on pearl millet production under climate change in West Africa

Understanding and identifying appropriate adaptation optons for cropping systems and management practices at spatial and temporal scales is an important prerequisite for scaling. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. Br.) could be regarded as a risk-reducing measure crop under climate change when coupled with tactical agronomic management practices. In this study, we assess the impacts of adaptation strategies such as cultivar type, planting windows, and fertilizer strategies on pearl millet production under rainfed farming systems over Nigeria and Senegal using the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model. The impact of climate change on millet yield was evaluated using a validated APSIM-millet module that utilized yield data collected through participatory research and extension approach (PREA) in contrasting environments. The climate model projections for the mid-century period (2040–2069) were compared against a baseline period of 1980–2009 for both locations. During the simulation, two millet varieties (improved local and dual-purpose) with two sowing regimes were considered comparing traditional farmers’ sowing window (dry sowing) and agronomic sowing window (planting based on the onset of the rainfall) at three different fertilizer levels [low (23 kg N ha−1), medium (40.5 kg N ha−1), and high (68.5 kg N ha−1) respectively]. The performance of the APSIM-millet module was found to be satisfactory as indicated by the low Root Means Square Error (RMSE) and Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) values. The range for grain yield was between 17.7% and 25.8%, while for AGB it was between 18.6% and 21.4%. The results showed that farmers’ sowing window simulated slightly higher grain yield than the agronomic sowing window for improved local millet cultivar indicating yield increased by 8–12%. However, the projected changes in the mid-century (2040–2069) resulted in a decline in yield against baseline climate for both varieties and sowing windows, indicating the negative impact of climate change (CC) on yield productivity. The comparison between dual-purpose millet and improved local millet indicates that disseminating the improved millet variety and implementing early sowing could be an effective adaptation strategy in reducing risks and losses caused by climate change. Similarly, low magnitude impacts simulated on grain yield (< −8% in Nigeria compared to > −8% in Senegal) even though both locations are in the same agroecological zone.

Exploring adaptation strategies for smallholder farmers in dryland farming systems and impact on pearl millet production under climate change in West Africa

Understanding and identifying appropriate adaptation optons for cropping systems and management practices at spatial and temporal scales is an important prerequisite for scaling. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. Br.) could be regarded as a risk-reducing measure crop under climate change when coupled with tactical agronomic management practices. In this study, we assess the impacts of adaptation strategies such as cultivar type, planting windows, and fertilizer strategies on pearl millet production under rainfed farming systems over Nigeria and Senegal using the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model. The impact of climate change on millet yield was evaluated using a validated APSIM-millet module that utilized yield data collected through participatory research and extension approach (PREA) in contrasting environments. The climate model projections for the mid-century period (2040–2069) were compared against a baseline period of 1980–2009 for both locations. During the simulation, two millet varieties (improved local and dual-purpose) with two sowing regimes were considered comparing traditional farmers’ sowing window (dry sowing) and agronomic sowing window (planting based on the onset of the rainfall) at three different fertilizer levels [low (23 kg N ha−1), medium (40.5 kg N ha−1), and high (68.5 kg N ha−1) respectively]. The performance of the APSIM-millet module was found to be satisfactory as indicated by the low Root Means Square Error (RMSE) and Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) values. The range for grain yield was between 17.7% and 25.8%, while for AGB it was between 18.6% and 21.4%. The results showed that farmers’ sowing window simulated slightly higher grain yield than the agronomic sowing window for improved local millet cultivar indicating yield increased by 8–12%. However, the projected changes in the mid-century (2040–2069) resulted in a decline in yield against baseline climate for both varieties and sowing windows, indicating the negative impact of climate change (CC) on yield productivity. The comparison between dual-purpose millet and improved local millet indicates that disseminating the improved millet variety and implementing early sowing could be an effective adaptation strategy in reducing risks and losses caused by climate change. Similarly, low magnitude impacts simulated on grain yield (< −8% in Nigeria compared to > −8% in Senegal) even though both locations are in the same agroecological zone.

Climatic Challenges in the Growth Cycle of Winter Wheat in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain: New Perspectives on High-Temperature–Drought and Low-Temperature–Drought Compound Events

Global climate change increasingly impacts agroecosystems, particularly through high-temperature–drought and low-temperature–drought compound events. This study uses ground meteorological and remote sensing data and employs geostatistics, random forest models, and copula methods to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of these events and their impact on winter wheat in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain from 1982 to 2020. High-temperature–drought events increased in frequency and expanded from north to south, with about 40% of observation stations recording such events from 2001 to 2020. In contrast, low-temperature–drought events decreased in frequency, affecting up to 80% of stations, but with lower frequency than high-temperature–drought events. Sensitivity analyses show winter wheat is most responsive to maximum and minimum temperature changes, with significant correlations to drought and temperature extremes. Copula analysis indicates temperature extremes and drought severity are crucial in determining compound event probability and return periods. High-temperature–drought events are likely under high temperatures and mild drought, while low-temperature–drought events are more common under low temperatures and mild drought. These findings highlight the need for effective agricultural adaptation strategies to mitigate future climate change impacts.

Adaptation strategies of paddy farmers to build resilience to climate change in kahama district, Tanzania

The study investigates the adaptation strategies used by the paddy farmers in Kahama District to increase their adaptability to climate change. The study focuses on four main objectives, including changed farming practices, changes in cropping practices, strategies used to adapt to climate change, and desired interventions to improve agricultural production and resilience to climate change. A mixed-methods strategy is used in the study to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. According to the data, paddy farmers in Kahama District have used a number of climate change adaptation strategies. These adaptations include modifications to irrigation techniques, timing adjustments for planting, seed variety changes, and fertilizer treatment adjustments. The study also reveals a change in crop systems, with farmers choosing drought-tolerant cultivars, intercropping, and crop diversification; increased water management practices, increased soil conservation practices, and informed decision-making through the use of climate information services are some of the strategies used by paddy farmers to adapt to climate change. The study also identifies the interventions that farmers want to see implemented, such as enhanced irrigation systems, workshops on climate-resilient farming techniques, access to resilient seed varieties, and dependable weather forecasting and climate information services. These findings show the paddy farmers in the Kahama District's proactive response to the problems posed by climate change and help to better understand the adaptation measures they have used. The study highlights the importance of assisting farmers in advancing their current strategies and knowledge while also attending to their unique requirements. Implementing desired actions, such as expanding climate information services, supplying training and access to robust seed varieties, and enhancing irrigation infrastructure, can significantly increase agricultural productivity and the region's resistance to climate change. For politicians, extension services, and development organizations looking to promote climate change adaptation and sustainable agriculture, these research findings have real-world applications. Paddy farmers' ability to adapt, agricultural output, and livelihood security in the face of climate change problems can all be improved by matching interventions and policies with their recognized needs and goals. Such activities can support attempts to achieve food security and sustainable development in the Kahama District and other areas, as well as the agricultural sector's overall resilience.

Perceptions and adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers to climate change in Builsa South district of Ghana

Perceptions and adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers to climate change in Builsa South district of Ghana

Exploring climate change adaptation strategies of crop and livestock farmers in urban Ghana

This study investigates the climate change adaptation strategies employed by urban crop and livestock farmers in Ghana. With the increasing recognition of climate change threats to agricultural productivity and food security, it is crucial to understand urban farmers’ adaptation strategies. Through a mixed-methods approach—surveys of 191 urban farming households using a questionnaire and interviews of 13 key informants using an interview guide, data were collected from farmers in urban Ghana. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics from the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and presented in tables. The qualitative data were analysed manually based on themes and content and presented in narratives. The results indicated a significant relationship between urban farmers’ educational status and gender and their sources of climate change adaptation information. Urban farmers’ climate change adaptation strategies include planting more improved and less indigenous crop varieties and rearing of more exotic and less local breeds of animals. Again, to buffer animal production against climatic diseases, urban farmers treat their animals through vaccination, giving animals pills, disinfecting pens, and spraying animals’ bodies with chemicals. Access to agricultural extension services is the main challenge in urban farmers’ climate change adaptation. The study underscores the importance of enhancing farmers’ resilience through targeted interventions, including capacity-building initiatives, access to climate information and financial resources, and the integration of climate-smart agricultural practices into urban planning and policy frameworks. In addressing these challenges and promoting adaptive strategies, urban crop and livestock farmers in Ghana can enhance their resilience to climate change and contribute to sustainable urban agriculture and food security. This study, therefore, contributes to the urban agriculture and climate change literature by drawing attention to how crop and animal farmers in the urban neighbourhood adapt to climatic stressors.

Climate change shocks and crop production: The foodgrain bowl of India as an example

Global warming is causing climate change (CC) characterized by increased frequency of heatwaves, droughts, erratic rains, hailstorms, cloudbursts, floods, landslides etc. The CC has already adversely affected ecosystems. In spite of efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which lead to warming, the global temperature during 2011–20 was 1.1°C above that during pre-industrial era. The projections are that warming will continue to increase and adverse effects will intensify particularly in developing countries like India. In India a number of studies have recorded wide spatial variability in rainfall, though, many reported a general overall negative trend since mid-20th century. Further, varying pattern of rainfall has been recorded in three agroclimatic regions of Punjab state, the granary of India. Unseasonal rains followed by spiked temperature during winter (rabi) season of 2021–22 reduced wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield in Punjab by 651 kg/ha and by 301 kg/ha in Haryana compared to 2020–21. Further, the grain was of lower quality. During rainy (kharif) season of 2022, Southern Rice Black-streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV), appeared for the first time in Punjab and Haryana. Some farmers ploughed the affected fields. Adverse weather during rabi 2022–23 also, reduced the wheat yield (143–150 kg/ha) in these states. At the national level, erratic weather during rabi 2021–22 and kharif 2022 caused losses of about 3 mt of grain of each of wheat and rice (Oryza sativa L.). The projected increased adverse effects due to intensified CC include food insecurity. Thus, there is an emergent need to accelerate implementation of adaptation and mitigation strategies in agriculture. The adaptation options include cultivar improvement, conservation agriculture altering growing seasons, crop diversification and sustainable soil, and water resource management. In the process of adaptive management of crop production, adjusting sowing dates and breeding cultivars having varying duration in consonance with CC has been one of the central aspects. Shifting sowing dates to find appropriate crop cultivation season is a low-cost measure. However, cultivar development is time and resource consuming. Novel biotechnological tools enable fast cultivar development with precision, and facilitate mobilization of genes from wild-weedy relatives, which are rich in genes conferring resistance/tolerance to biotic and biotic stresses, required to combat CC challenge. In view of CC stress on water resources, improving water-use efficiency (WUE) has gained importance. Sensor-based micro-irrigation/fertigation has great potential to enhance water and fertilizer-use efficiency. Similarly, the application of other smart technologies like nanotechnology, sensor-based pesticide application, bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, need to be mobilised. In view of agro-ecological diversity in India, right-sized regionspecific technology packages have to be developed implying that crop research will expand exponentially. This needs strengthening of human resources and institutional infrastructure, expanding and linking basic and applied researches, and fortifying inter-disciplinary/inter-institutional collaborations to develop and diffuse technology innovations. Enabling factors include enhanced funding and international cooperation. All-out efforts are needed to have more climate-resilient agriculture.

Heat Stress in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.): A Critical Review of Impacts and Adaptation Strategies

Indian mustard, a member of the Brassicaceae family, is a cool-season crop cultivated extensively in various agro-ecological conditions, contributing significantly to vegetable oilseed production. However, being a thermosensitive and C3 plant [1], Indian mustard is highly susceptible to high-temperature stress, particularly during critical developmental stages [2]. High temperatures disrupt physiological, morphological, and biochemical mechanisms essential for plant growth and development. From altered chlorophyll content and osmotic water potential to impaired photosynthesis and reduced seed oil accumulation, heat stress detrimentally affects various aspects of Indian mustard physiology. This comprehensive review examines the impacts of heat stress on Indian mustard, a significant oilseed crop, and explores adaptation strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. Additionally, heat stress during reproductive stages leads to flower abortion, reduced fertility, and poor seed development, significantly impacting yield potential. To cope with heat stress, plant response mechanisms involve intricate signaling pathways, leading to cellular readjustments at transcriptome, epigenome, proteome, and metabolome levels. Breeding approaches, including conventional techniques and advanced molecular tools like CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, offer promising avenues for developing heat-tolerant cultivars. Integration of multi-omics approaches aids in identifying stress-responsive genes and metabolic pathways crucial for adaptation. Agronomic strategies, such as nutrient management and microbial inoculation, play vital roles in mitigating heat stress effects and enhancing plant resilience. Collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary research are essential to deepen our understanding of heat stress responses and develop sustainable solutions to ensure oilseed crop productivity and food security in the face of climate change. This review underscores the urgency of addressing heat stress challenges in Indian mustard cultivation and highlights the need for concerted efforts to develop effective adaptation strategies for sustainable agriculture.

Shrimp Farmer’s Perceptions and Adaptation Strategies to the Threat of Climate Change in Bangil District, East Java

As one of the main stakeholders in the fishing industry, shrimp farmers are directly affected by climate change that causes changes in seawater temperature, rainfall, and unpredictable weather patterns. Related to the issue, the threat to income may be felt by shrimp farmers. Therefore, in this study, we highlight two objectives as a basis for drawing up this article, namely (1) to understand shrimp farmers’ perceptions of climate change, and (2) to identify factors that influence farmers’ decisions in implementing adaptation strategies. There are two types of analysis that we use, namely descriptive analysis and logit regression analysis. Our findings show that the majority of shrimp farmers consider climate change manifested in the form of changes in rainfall patterns (96.21%), increases in pond water temperatures (98.71%), decreases in yield production (95.41%), and increases in shrimp pests and diseases (96.23%). The results of our logit regression analysis show that the decision-making factors of shrimp farmers are significantly influenced. These results indicate that the implementation of adaptation strategies in the fisheries sector can generate significant growth and reduce the risks posed by climate change. As a result, the government needs to encourage the development of more suitable climate change adaptation strategies for small-scale shrimp farmers in Indonesia.

Agricultural adaptation strategies under Morales’s administration: The Case of a Guarni Community in the Bolivian Chaco

Agricultural adaptation strategies under Morales’s administration: The Case of a Guarni Community in the Bolivian Chaco

Typology of Plantain Cultivation in a Context of Climate Change in the Agroecological Zone of Haut-Sassandra, Central-West, Côte d'Ivoire

The Haut-Sassandra region (Côte d'Ivoire), experiencing climate change with its many consequences, continues to produce bananas even if the level has fallen in recent years. This work was carried out to understand the adaptation strategies of plantain farmers facing the consequences of climate change. The methodological approach consisted of listing banana plantations of more than one hectare in Haut-Sassandra and carrying out a survey on plantain cultivation practices observed in this agroecological zone. The survey carried out made it possible to list 34 banana plantations with areas of between 1.5 and 5 hectares. For the establishment of banana plantations, slash-and-burn crops are the most favored (100%). The most used crop type is the crop association (85%) (cocoa (65%), coffee (15%) and food crops (5%)). Only 15% of banana plantations were monoculture. The fight against the wind is achieved by hedges made up of plots of rubber and teak surrounding the banana plantations. Symptoms of biotic and abiotic diseases were observed in all the banana plantations investigated. To maintain sustainability and better banana production, Haut-Sassandra planters combine several agroecological practices.

Agricultural Adaptation Strategies to Weather Fluctuations for Improved Agribusiness Sustainability in West Java

This research investigates agricultural adaptation strategies to weather fluctuations for enhancing agribusiness sustainability in West Java, Indonesia. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study delves into the challenges posed by climate variability and the responses of farmers and agribusiness stakeholders to mitigate these challenges. Through interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation, the research identifies key weather-related challenges, including erratic rainfall patterns, temperature extremes, natural disasters, and pest outbreaks. Furthermore, the study explores adaptation strategies such as crop diversification, water management, soil conservation, adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties, and agroforestry. The findings contribute to understanding the complexities of agricultural adaptation and offer insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to promote sustainable agribusiness development in West Java and similar regions facing climate-related challenges.

Farmers’ Perception and Adaptation Strategies Towards Climate Change: A Village Level Study in India

The present study attempted to observe the perception and adaptation strategies of farmers in the context of climate change. It observes that the majority of the farmers are aware of climate change and understand that they are facing problems due to it. The major problems faced by the farmers are the long duration of dryness due to lack of rainfall, weed pressure, very high temperatures, and crop disease. However, farmers are not very aware of technological adaptation and have changed the cropping time due to changes in the time of monsoon. The study recommends that there is a need for intensive micro and macro policy initiatives in terms of modern green sustainable technology along with awareness and skill development of the farmers. The government should also focus more on policy initiatives for sustainable agricultural practices in line with sustainable development goals.

Rural households' livelihood adaptation strategies in the face of changing climate: A case study from Pakistan

Rural and agricultural communities' adaptation to climate change has gained significant attention owing to many countries' vulnerability to climate change risks. A similar trend has been witnessed in South Asia, a highly climate-vulnerable region, where research has grown dramatically considering the agriculture sector's vulnerability to climate-induced disasters. However, little attention has been paid to the adaptation of the livelihoods of rural households. This research, therefore, takes the case of Pakistan to explore livelihood adaptation strategies of rural households to climate change and investigate the factors that expedite or halt the adoption of livelihood diversification strategies. A multistage sampling design is used in this research, where 480 rural households from the Punjab province of Pakistan were selected and interviewed using stratified and random sampling approaches. A multivariate probit (MVP) regression model is employed to analyze the factors affecting households' adoption of livelihood adaptation strategies. The results show that besides adaptation of agronomic operations (agricultural adaptation strategies), rural households in the study area employed a wide range of strategies to adapt their livelihoods to climate change. These strategies include poultry and livestock farming, value addition of farm produce, trading of animals and farm commodities, small businesses (shops, etc.), daily wage labor, horticultural crop farming, and non-farming jobs. The estimates of the MVP model revealed that respondents' education, household size, income, access to a credit facility, access to farm advisory services, and access to climate forecasts have significantly influenced the choice of livelihood adaptation strategies. Based on these findings, this research recommends that the authorities should make efforts to improve farmers' understanding of the adaptation of climate change risks and educate them to adopt multiple livelihood options to improve the resilience of their livelihoods to climate-induced risks. This research has important policy implications for other countries with similar socio-economic features.

Investigation of the Variability of Dry / Wet Meteorological conditions using the SPEI / SPI Index in the Selo Watershed, Period 1981-2020.

The significant impact of climate change is high variability in rainfall and an increase in extreme rainfall events. The impacts resulted in severe dry/wet conditions. Severe dry conditions can lead to crop failure due to lack of water availability, while severe wet conditions can indicate flooding. This paper aims to investigate the variability of dry/wet meteorological conditions in the Selo watershed. The investigation was carried out using the SPEI and SPI. The results show that wet/dry conditions do not have a clear pattern variability in the long term. Seasonal wet/dry conditions show a changing trend towards wetter conditions in all seasons. Spatially, the changes occur throughout the study area, with the most significant changes occurring in the upstream and downstream parts of the watershed. In the last two decades, wet conditions are more dominant to replace dry conditions that were more prominent in the previous two decades. Other analysis results conclude that there is no influence of air temperature in creating wet/dry conditions in the Selo watershed area. So that the characteristics of wet/dry conditions are very useful for considering the selection of agricultural adaptation strategies in dealing with variability and climate change in the Selo watershed area.

Climate Change & Crop Adaptation: Geophysical Data on Soil Moisture Changes & Agricultural Strategies

This study aims to determine the effect of soil moisture variability on plant productivity. This was done using an integrated approach that combined quantitative research on soil water issues with crop yields and farmer characteristics. Soil moisture measurements were collected from five locations using multiple sampling methods, surveys, and interviews with local farmers. Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between soil moisture levels and crop yields, indicating that optimum moisture conditions are associated with increased yields. Qualitative findings may shed light on farmer's adaptation strategies and their perceptions of soil moisture management practices. The findings of this study highlight the importance of soil moisture in influencing agricultural yields and the need to adapt soil and water management strategies to unique conditions. These findings improve the current understanding of the complex dynamics of soil moisture changes. They provide practical ideas to increase agricultural livelihoods and influence the development of sustainable land management policies and practices.

Addressing the impacts of climate change on agricultural adaptation strategies: a case study in Nepal

PurposeAs climate change increasingly affects rural food production, there is an urgent need to adopt agricultural adaptation strategies. Because the agricultural sector in Nepal is one of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, the adaptation strategies of household farmers in rural areas are crucial. This study aims to address the impacts of agricultural climate change adaptation strategies in Nepal. The research empirically analyzed climate hazards, adaptation strategies and local adaptation plans in Mangalsen Municipality, Achham District, Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a purposive sampling of household lists, categorized as resource-rich, resource-poor and intermediate households. The analysis used primary data from 110 household surveys conducted among six focus groups and 30 informants were selected for interviews through purposive random sampling.FindingsClimate change significantly impacts rainfall patterns and temperature, decreasing agriculture productivity and increasing household vulnerability. To overcome these negative impacts, it is crucial to implement measures such as efficient management of farms and livestock. A comprehensive analysis of Nepalese farmers' adaptation strategies to climate change has been conducted, revealing important insights into their coping mechanisms. By examining the correlation between farmers' strategies and the role of the local government, practical policies can be developed for farmers at the local level.Originality/valueThis study represents a significant breakthrough in the authors' understanding of this issue within the context of Nepal. It has been conclusively demonstrated that securing land tenure or land security and adopting appropriate agricultural methods, such as agroforestry, can be instrumental in enabling Nepalese households to cope with the effects of climate change effectively.

Analysis of Climate Change Impacts on Agricultural Production and Adaptation Strategies for Farmers: Agricultural Policy Perspectives.

Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural production, impacting farmers globally. This journal article conducts an in-depth analysis of the effects of climate change on agricultural production and explores adaptation strategies from an agricultural policy perspective. The research employs a comprehensive review of existing literature, empirical data, and agricultural policies to assess the multifaceted implications of climate change on global food security.
 The study reveals the diverse impacts of climate change on agricultural systems, including altered precipitation patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and shifts in temperature regimes. These changes result in disruptions to crop cycles, reduced yields, and heightened vulnerability for farmers. In response, the research identifies and evaluates various adaptation strategies implemented by agricultural policymakers.
 Adaptation strategies encompass a range of measures, including the development of drought-resistant crop varieties, improved water management practices, and the promotion of climate-smart agricultural techniques. The analysis extends to the assessment of policy frameworks that support the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing the importance of integrating climate adaptation into broader agricultural policies.
 The article concludes with policy recommendations aimed at fostering a more resilient agricultural sector in the face of climate change. It underscores the need for collaborative efforts between policymakers, researchers, and farmers to ensure the effective implementation of adaptation strategies. By aligning agricultural policies with climate adaptation goals, nations can mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on agricultural production and enhance the overall sustainability of the sector.

Farmer’s Perception and Efficacy of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in North Eastern Transition Zone of Karnataka State in India

A primary survey during the year 2021-22 was carried out among the 240 farmers of Bidar and Gulbarga districts of North Eastern Transition Zone in Karnataka to study the farmer’s perception on climate change for the period 1979 to 2019 and validate their opinions with the change in the meteorological indicators. About 74 percent of farmers expressed that there is a decline in crop yield while 83 percent of farmers opined that is a shift of employment from farm to non-farm activities during the period of forty years. Farmers practice various farm adaptation strategies activities to overcome the effect of climate change. Through Garatte ranking, it is revealed that most of the farmers prefer to practice alteration of sowing dates of crop (rank 1) as adaptation strategy followed by using of drought tolerant varieties (rank 2) and mixed cropping (rank3). Binary Logit analysis was used to identify the socio- economic attributes of households influencing the adoption of adaptation strategy to climate change. The results showed that, the variables like farm size, access to institutional credit, live stock ownership and climate information are the factors which positively shows significant influence on adoption. Economic incentives play an important role in the adoption of modern technologies. Access to institutional credit will support the farmers financially in adopting water conservation techniques like farm ponds, micro irrigation products.

Climate change and adaptation strategies in rural Ghana: a study on smallholder farmers in the Mamprugu-Moaduri district

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the perceptions of smallholder farmers on climate change and events and further explores climate change adaptation strategies and associated challenges. The findings provide useful information for enhancing the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers to adjust to climate-related hazards and improve their resilience and disaster preparedness in northern Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a multistage sampling procedure and sample size of 150 farmers, the Binary Probit Model (BPM), to identify and examine the determinants of climate change adaptation strategies adopted by smallholder farmers. Also, the constraints of adaptation were analyzed using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance.FindingsThe results from the BPM and statistics of Kendall’s coefficient revealed that the farm risk level, ability to adapt, farmer’s income, age, farming experience, climate change awareness and extension visits were factors that significantly influenced the adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers (in order of importance). The majority (60%) of the farmers ranked farm risk level as the major constraint to adopting climate change strategies.Originality/valueThe findings of this study enhance understanding on access to relevant and timely climate change adaptation information such as an early warning to farmers during the start of the farming/rainy season to support their adaptive responses to climate change.