Transition Zone Of Ghana Research Articles

FIELDS APART: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF LAND FRAGMENTATION ON TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN MAIZE FARMING WITHIN GHANA'S TRANSITIONAL ZONE

This study investigates the intricate relationship between land fragmentation and technical efficiency in maize farming within the Transitional Zone of Ghana. Employing a comprehensive analysis, we examine how the division of land affects the operational efficiency of maize farmers in this region. Utilizing a combination of quantitative data and empirical evidence, our research sheds light on the nuanced dynamics and implications of land fragmentation on agricultural productivity. The findings contribute valuable insights to agricultural policy formulation and resource management strategies in similar agro-ecological contexts.

Effects of thinning on growth performance of teak (Tectona grandis) plantations in Tain II Forest Reserve, Ghana

Although recent interest in commercial teak plantation establishment has soared, knowledge of intensive silvicultural management of residual stands is limited in most parts of West Africa. This study evaluated the effects of thinning regimes on the growth responses and pruning requirements of teak plantations, two years after thinning, in the transition zone of Ghana. The thinning trial was conducted on a 4-year-old stand with initial stocking of 1 111 trees ha−1 in the Tain II Forest Reserve, Ghana. The treatments were four thinning regimes: 50%, 30%, 0% thinning intensities and 50% decrowning, arranged in a completely randomised design with four replicates. Two years after thinning, the treatments were significantly different in diameter at breast height (DBH) (p < 0.00029), total height (p = 0.017) and stem density (p < 0.0002). The 50% thinning intensity had the highest mean tree DBH, volume, height and basal area of 15.57 cm, 0.13 m3, 11.94 m and 0.02 m2 respectively. The lowest was found in the control (no thinning) except height which was least in decrowned plots. Maximum mean annual increment of DBH, total height and volume were respectively 2.00 cm, 1.34 m and 9.9 m3 ha−1 for the heavily thinned stand. The number of epicormic shoots per tree increased with the thinning intensity/regime, hence increasing the pruning requirement. It is concluded that 50% thinning intensity promotes positive growth of residual stand but increases the pruning requirements and possibly the pruning costs. Long-term evaluation of this trial is essential to validate the recommendations from this study.

Smallholder cashew production and household livelihoods in the transition zone of Ghana

AbstractAlthough the adoption of cash crops among smallholder farmers is meant to increase the commercialisation and profitability of agriculture, it is still unclear if cashew farmers are better off or worst off from cashew farming in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The study investigated the overall effects of cashew production on household livelihoods among smallholder farmers in the Transitional Zone of Ghana. The study employed a mixed research methods design for data collection and analysis. These methods included focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and a survey of 239 cashew‐farming households. The results revealed both positive and negative outcomes for farmers and their households. First, the positive outcomes included increased income, enhanced social status, improved food and nutrition, housing and education. Second, the negative outcomes included increased theft, high cost of goods and services, high cost of living, and a rise in physical health problems among farmers. The study concludes that, overall, cashew farmers and their households experienced improved livelihoods despite the negative effects arising from cashew farming. To maximise the livelihood outcomes of smallholder cashew farmers, we underscore the importance of a multi‐stakeholder approach to development planning that promotes innovations in training, extension support, and sound financial and business management.

Mango phenology and fruit fly population dynamics in the transition zone of Ghana.

Crop phenological studies are vital in the formulation of effective integrated pest management packages. A 2-year phenological study spanning 2017-2019 was conducted in eight mango orchards in the transition zone of Ghana, to determine the relationship between the aggregation of culprit fruit fly species and the phenology of the mango crop. A total of 160 shoots were tagged and observed weekly for the plant's developmental processes using the Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie mango phenological scale as a guide. Fruit fly monitoring was conducted with two para pheromone attractants (methyl eugenol and terpinyl acetate) in 32 improvised traps. Host fruits sampled at colour break and ripe stages were incubated to identify culprit species. Significant infestation levels were assessed with one way analysis of variance. Three culprit species (Bactrocera dorsalis, Ceratitis cosyra and Ceratitis ditissima) emerged from incubated fruits. Co-infestation between B. dorsalis and C. cosyra was observed mostly at colour break. A residual population of B. dorsalis was observed throughout the crop cycle but peaked at the colour break phenological stage in May and early June, and dropped in August (at post-harvest). The interaction among fruit fly species, season, fruit source and phenological stage of the fruit was significant (P = 0.016). C. cosyra appeared at the beginning of anthesis, increased during flowering to fruit set and peaked in April when fruits were nearing maturity and green. It is therefore important that management practices are implemented throughout the phenological cycle of the crop but intensified from anthesis to post-harvest to reduce pest populations and damage.

Drivers of adoption intensity of pond aquaculture: The case of Ghana

Ponds contribute just about 7% to Ghana’s total aquaculture production. This is partly attributable to low rate of adoption, small holdings and low adoption intensity. Thus, this study generates empirical data on determinants of pond aquaculture adoption intensity among farmers in the study area. A total of 356 respondents were selected from five regions of Ghana using multi-stage sampling. A Two-Stage Heckman regression revealed that adoption and intensity of adoption are positively influenced by gender, extension service, membership of farmer-based group, knowledge of pond aquaculture, fish price and freehold land while the transition ecological zone of Ghana showed a negative relationship with both adoption and intensity (farm size). A Poisson regression showed that adoption intensity (by number of management innovations) is significantly and positively influenced by education, income, extension service, membership of a farmer group, labour and total pond area but negatively correlated with household size and distance from farm to nearest commercial town. The average adoption level of management innovations is 50% with water quality management innovations being the least adopted. We recommend policy interventions to facilitate: increased extension contacts (especially in the transition zone of Ghana); promotion of pond farmers associations; adoption of more management innovations; institutional support in the areas of awareness, capacity building, financing (e.g. “smart subsidies”), and easy access to suitable land and inputs to accelerate the participation of more women and the youth in pond aquaculture.

Effect of Different Soil Amendments and Variety on the Growth and Yield of Carrot (Daucus carota L.)

The objective for the study was to determine the effect of variety and different soil amendments on the growth and yield of carrot (Daucus carota L.). The study was conducted in Mampong-Ashanti which is located in the transitional zone of Ghana. The experiment was laid out in a 5 x 2 factorial and treatments arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). There were two varieties (Tokita and Kuroda) and five different types of soil amendment which were: control (T1), 5 ton/ha poultry manure (T2), 45-45-45 kg/ha NPK (T3), 5 ton/ha compost (T4) and 5 ton/ha biochar (T5). Each treatment was replicated four times. Data was collected on vegetative growth and yield of carrot. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT Version 11.1. Results from the study showed that carrot plants amended with 5 ton/ha poultry manure significantly (P=.05) produced the tallest height and greater number of leaves. Application of 5 ton/ha compost recorded the widest (P=.05) canopy spread. Application of 5 ton/ha poultry manure recorded the highest (p &lt; 0.05) fresh root weight, root length, root diameter and marketable root weight with the control treatment recording the least among all treatments. With respect to variety, Kuroda produced the tallest (P=.05) plants, greater (P=.05) number of leaves and wider (P=.05) canopy spread. In conclusion, the application of 5 t/ha poultry manure had improved growth performance with higher productivity in terms of marketable root weight and total yield. Among the two varieties Kuroda was the best with higher growth performance and yield.

Understanding the Nexus between Climate Change, the Shift in Land Use toward Cashew Production and Rural Food Security in Ghana; the Experiences of Farmers in the Transition Zone of Ghana

This study summarises the findings from a study investigating rural small-holding farmers’ experiences on the shift from food crop to cashew in the forest/savanna transitional agro-ecological zone of Ghana and its impact on rural food security. Using a mix method approach, the study sampled the views of 400 farmers from 9 farming communities in the Wenchi Municipality of Ghana via questionnaire and semi-structured interview and collated statistical data on crop production to trace the nexus between climate change, agrarian land-use decisions and food security. The study found evidence of increasing shift from food crop to cashew production. This was evidenced by increasing cashew cultivation and cashew output and decreasing total land acreage for food crops and increasing food insecurity of farmers. The findings revealed that about 71% of farmers had expanded their cashew farms and another 41.0% have turned their food crops’ lands to cashew production. Besides cashew production, (57.0%) has overtaken the traditional food crop -maize (25.5%) production in terms of output. Instructively, the study found that the main motivation for the shift from food crop to cashew production is not only to maximise income in bulk, but also climate change adaptability issues. The study found that the cashew crop is resilient in adapting to the changing climate and less prone to pests’ invasion compared to maize in the study District. The study found that food security among rural folks had been seriously compromised by the conversion of farmlands from food crop to cashew farming. Although, the study found that female farmers have higher consciousness to food security yet less motivated to shift from food crop to cashew crop production compared to men. Worryingly, females are the hardest hit group because of their low ownership of or access to farmlands and low voices of women in farmland use decision making in a men-dominant rural extended family setting of the study District. The study concludes that climate change adaptability concern has introduced a new set of risks including crop failure due to changing rainfall pattern and increasing incidence of pest invasions forcing the rural folks to compromise innovative indigenous farming focus and practices that have helped them to navigate extreme food poverty. This study, therefore, argues for improved food crop seeds tailored to the specific climatic context and innovative farming practices that beef-up small-holding farmers’ capacity to navigate climate change to continually produce food crop to ensure rural food security and sustainability.

Assessment of Growth and Yield of Watermelon and Soil Physical Properties in Response to Different Tillage Methods

Field experiment was conducted to investigate the response of soil physical properties, crop growth, yield and yield components of watermelon to different tillage methods in the transitional zone of Ghana in a two year period. The tillage treatments used in the study were plough and harrowed (PH), minimum tillage (MT) and no tillage (NT) which was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) with 3 three replications. The two field experiments were undertaken at the experimental site of the University of Education, College of Agriculture, Mampong-Ashanti, (7°08‘ N, 1°24‘ W )located within the transitional agro-ecological zone between the forest and Guinea Savannah zones characterized with two rainfall regimes with an annual rainfall of 1094.2 mm with 30°C temperature. The soil belongs to the Bediase series with ochrosol type formed from voltain sandstone and a pH between 5.5 to 6. The statistical analysis revealed that, tillage methods significantly affected soil physical properties particularly, total porosity, volumetric water content and bulk density. Also, tillage methods influenced crop growth, (number of leaves and vine length), yield and yield components of watermelon in the order of Plough and harrowed &gt; Minimum tillage &gt; No-Tillage in almost all the treatments. Accordingly, the ploughed and harrowed (PH) was found to be more appropriate and profitable tillage method to improving soil physical properties, crop growth, yield and yield components of watermelon in the forest-transitional of Ghana.

Demonstrating the efficacy of existing yam technologies in the Forest-Savannah transition zone of Ghana

Improved technologies (row planting, ridging, seed treatment, weed management, fertilizer application) with a proven record of sustained productivity for yam production are imperative for food security. This study promotes the efficacy of these existing improved agronomic practices using a farmer-based participatory approach in some selected major yam-growing areas in the forest–savannah transition zone of Ghana. The improved agronomic practice treatment included use of ridging as seedbed, seed treatment before planting, fertilizer application at a rate of 30:30:36 N:P2O5: K2O kg/ha plus 15 kg/ha Mg and 20 kg/ha S as MgSO4 and the use of minimum stakes (trellis; 30-50% fewer stakes used by farmers). This was compared with farmers’ practice, which consisted of mounding, no fertilizer application, and no seed treatment. A significantly (p ≤ 0.01) higher yam yields (more than 60%) were observed for the improved agronomic practice over the farmers’ practice at Ejura, Atebubu, and Kintampo which are major yam-growing communities of Ghana. Sensory evaluation showed that the culinary quality of fertilized yam was as good as unfertilized yam. The contribution of existing improved yam production practices in the selected yam communities of Ghana was quantified in terms of their productivity and economic benefit to smallholder farmers.

Effects of Poultry Manure, N. P. K Fertilizer and Their Combination on the Growth and Yield of Sweet Pepper

The objective of the experiment was to investigate the influence of organic (poultry) manure, inorganic manure (N.P.K) and their combination on the growth and yield of sweet pepper in the transitional zone of Ghana. The experiment was conducted at the research field of the College of Agriculture Education, University of Education Winneba, Mampong campus in 2017. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) which consisted of four treatments with 4 replications. The treatment groups were: Control (no soil amendment), 10 t/ha PM, 300 kg/ha N.P.K, and 5 t/ha PM + 150 kg/ha N.P.K. All the treatments were given fair and equal attention in terms of watering, weeding and disease and pest control. The result showed that 10 t/ha PM recorded (P=.05) the tallest plant height, greater number of leaves and leaf area per plant, days taken for 50% bud appearance and flowering, the highest number of flowers per plant and the minimum days to fruit set, highest number of fruit set minimum days to harvesting with the control been the least in all traits. Similarly, 10 t/ha PM recorded (P=.05) had the highest number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and fruit yield while the control treatment recorded the least in all traits. This study concludes that the application of poultry manure improves the productivity of sweet pepper. This study recommends that 10 t/ha PM is an ideal for maximum vegetative growth and yield of sweet pepper.

Influence of Row Spacing and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Two Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Varieties under Rain-Fed Condition in the Transitional Zone of Ghana

Influence of Row Spacing and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Two Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Varieties under Rain-Fed Condition in the Transitional Zone of Ghana

The effects of 2015 El Nino on smallholder maize production in the transitional ecological zone of Ghana

PurposeThis paper aims to provide empirical evidence on the El Nino and its effects on maize production in three municipalities: Ejura, Techiman and Wenchi in the transitional zone of Ghana. Using a mixed approach, the study details the effects of the El Nino on rainy season characteristics, particularly, rainfall amounts and distribution, onset and cessation of rains, duration of the rainy season and total seasonal rainfall and how it impacted smallholder maize production.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a mixed method approach in collecting and analyzing data. For stronger evidence building, (Creswell, 2013) the authors combined interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) to collect the qualitative data. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to extension officers, management information system officers and other relevant personnel of the Ministry of Agriculture in the three municipalities. Six FGD’s were held for maize farmers in six communities in all three municipalities.FindingsThe study shows that the 2015 El Nino had dire consequences on farm yields, subsequently affecting farmer’s incomes and livelihoods. The study further finds that complex socio-cultural factors, some unrelated to the El Nino, aggravated the effects on maize farmers. These include the lack of adequate climatic information, predominance of rain-fed farming, a lack of capacity to adapt and existing levels of poverty.Originality/valueThe study recommends inter alia, appropriate use of seasonal rainfall forecasting to enhance better farming decision-making and the development of elaborate climate variability interventions by national and local agencies.

Maize and Cashew Farming in the Face of Climate Change Variability in the Transitional Zone of Ghana: A Case Study of Nkoranza South Municipality

The main aim of the study was to find out reasons behind the widespread conversion of maize farmlands to the production of cashew by most of the farmers in the transition zone of Ghana. The nature of the study necessitated the use of both primary and secondary data to achieve the objectives. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used for the study. Twelve key informants were interviewed. Three hundred and twenty questionnaires were administered. Meteorological (rainfall and temperature) data were critically analysed. Most of the farmers had the intention to shift their resources (farmlands) to cultivate cashew as according to them, the trees were resistant to irregular rainfall unlike maize. The major threat pushing maize farmers from business was the changing climate, a situation worsened by the interaction of ‘multiple stressors’, occurring at various stages and low adaptive capacity.

Impacts of changing climate on maize production in the transitional zone of Ghana. A case study of Nkoranza south municipality

This study sought to assess the challenges and opportunities that come with climate change and variability impacts on maize farming in the Nkoranza South Municipality in the Transitional Zone of Ghana. The mixed method approach was used in collecting the data. The results of the study showed that farmers had observed changes in climate in the form of decreasing rainfall, rising air temperatures and seasonal changes in rainfall pattern which were affecting their maize farming operations. The major setbacks within the area were deficit in rainy days and intermittent erratic rainfall affecting maize production. The reduction in rainfall was corroborated by data obtained from Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) which indicated that the dry cell between the major and minor rainy seasons was getting wetter and the two seasons were gradually merging whereas the first and last quarters of the year were getting drier for a couple of decades. The situation over the last five years had worsened as the amount of total rainfall had reduced by 22% compared to the 30year period between 1960 and 1982. The major opportunity available to farmers in the face of changing climate in this agroecological zone was cashew production. About 76.8% of the respondents had diversified into cashew farming.

Local anesthesia underutilized for inguinal hernia repair in northern Ghana.

IntroductionInguinal hernia repair is a common procedure and a priority for public health efforts in Ghana. It is essential that inguinal hernia repair be performed in a safe, efficient manner to justify its widespread use. Local anesthesia has many favorable properties and has been shown to be superior, compared to regional or general anesthesia, in terms of pain control, safety profile, cost-effectiveness, resources required, and time to discharge. Local anesthesia is recommended for open repair of reducible hernias, provided clinician experience, by multiple international guidelines. Regional anesthesia is associated with myocardial infarction and other complications, and its use is discouraged by multiple guidelines, especially in older patients. This study aims to assess the current state of anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair in the northern and transitional zone of Ghana. In addition we will assess the perceptions of different types of anesthesia along with understanding of evidence-based guidelines among clinicians participating in inguinal hernia repair.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of all inguinal hernia repairs for male patients, 18 and older, in over 90% of hospitals in northern Ghana. All 41 hospitals were visited and caselogs and patient charts were manually reviewed to extract data. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of local anesthesia use. We designed a survey instrument to assess the perceptions of physicians and anesthetists regarding different types of anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair. The survey was designed by a Ghanaian surgeon, reviewed by all co-authors, and tested prior to implementation using a sample (n = 8) of clinicians having similar practices to those of the survey population. Of 70 clinicians, 66 responded, yielding a response rate of 94%.Results8080 patients underwent hernia repair of which 37% were performed under local anesthesia, while the majority, 60%, were performed under regional anesthesia. Negative predictors of local anesthesia were emergent repair (OR = 0.258, p < 0.001), surgery performed at a teaching hospital (OR = 0.105, p < 0.001), and bilateral hernia repair (OR = 0.374, p < 0.001). 1,839 (22.8%) of IH repairs were done on patients age 65 or older and RA was most frequently used among the elderly population (57.8%), while local anesthesia was used 39.5% of the time. Sixty-six clinicians participated in the survey with the majority reporting that local anesthesia requires fewer staff, less equipment, has a shorter recovery, is more cost-effective, and might be safer for patients. However 66% were unfamiliar with or incorrectly perceived international guidelines.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this study is the largest assessment of anesthesia use for inguinal hernia repair in an LMIC. Although the selection of anesthetic technique should be guided by a patient’s general health, the anatomy of the hernia, and clinician judgment, local anesthesia appears to be underutilized in northern Ghana. Survey responses demonstrate high rates of unfamiliarity or incorrectly perceived evidence-based guidelines. Future research should assess how education on the benefits and technique of local anesthesia administration may further increase rates for inguinal hernia repair, especially for older patients.

Soil Surface Treatments and Moisture Characteristics of a Luvisol under Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in the Transition Zone of Ghana

Soil Surface Treatments and Moisture Characteristics of a Luvisol under Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in the Transition Zone of Ghana

Influence of Grass Mulch on Soil Physical Attributes of a Luvisol and Water Requirement of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in the Transition Zone of Ghana

The experiment was conducted to assess the influence of grass mulch on some soil physical attributes of a luvisol and water requirement of cowpea in the transition zone of Ghana at the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong campus. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used. The grass mulch rates were; 1 t ha-1, 3 t ha-1, 5 t ha-1 and control (no mulch) with four replications. The grass mulch was applied evenly on the soil surface under a cultivated cowpea. Parameters assessed were soil aggregate stability, bulk density, soil porosity, soil gravimetric and volumetric moisture contents, cumulative infiltration, sorptivity, organic matter content and cowpea seed yield. The study showed that mulching improved cowpea seed yield, soil gravimetric moisture content, soil volumetric moisture content, cumulative infiltration amount, infiltration rate, sorptivity and soil residual moisture. The soil physical parameters measured in both the minor and major seasons were higher on the 5 t ha-1 plots but lower on the control (no mulch) plots. There was a significant (P = .05, r = 0.61) positive correlation between the cowpea seed yield and soil gravimetric moisture content. Estimation of water requirement of cowpea using the Blaney-Criddle method produced higher values in 2010 (629.70 mm season-1), 2011 (619.60 mm season-1) than the field graphical estimated values in 2010 (399.00 mm season-1), 2011 (357.0 mm season-1) and improvised evaporation pan values in 2010 (347.90 mm season-1), 2011 (136.11 mm season-1) seasons Although cowpea is tolerant to water deficit to some extent, the use of 5 t ha-1 mulch for sustainable soil moisture management would be important in areas of erratic and inadequate rainfall.

The use of mesh for inguinal hernia repair in northern Ghana

BackgroundDespite the recognition that inguinal hernia (IH) repair is cost-effective, repair rates in low- and middle-income countries remain low. Estimated use of mesh in low- and middle-income countries also remains low despite publications about low-cost, noncommercial mesh. The purpose of our study was to assess the current state of IH repair in the northern and transitional zone of Ghana. Materials and methodsA retrospective review of surgical case logs of IH repairs from 2013 to 2017 in 41 hospitals was performed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of mesh use. ResultsEight thousand eighty male patients underwent IH repair. The range of IH repair in each region was 96 to 295 (overall 123) per 100,000 population. Most cases were performed at district hospitals (84%) and repaired nonurgently (93%) by nonsurgeon physicians (66%). Suture repair was most common (85%) although mesh was used in 15%. The strongest predictor of mesh use was when a surgeon performed surgery (odds ratio [OR] 3.13, P <0.001), followed by surgery being performed in a teaching hospital (OR 2.31, P <0.001). Repair at a regional hospital was a negative predictor of mesh use (OR 0.08, P <0.001) as was the use of general anesthesia (OR 0.40, P = 0.001). ConclusionsMost IH repairs are performed in district hospitals, by nonsurgeon physicians, and without mesh. Rates of repair and the use of mesh are higher than previous estimates in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa but not as high as high-income countries.

Smallholder farmers’ perception of climatic and socio-economic factors influencing livelihoods in the transition zone of Ghana

Background:The study analyzed smallholder farmers’ perception with regards to climatic and socio-economic changes influencing their agriculture livelihoods and coping strategies thereof in the transition zone of Ghana.Methods:We used semi-structured questionnaires for household survey involving 59 households and focus group discussions (n=60) for data collection in three communities.Results:Farming systems are influenced by high and extreme temperatures, delayed onsets of rain, short raining season as well as unpredictable raining seasons. Similarly, socioeconomic factors affecting the communities and their households’ livelihood included i) bad road network; ii) high prices of farm inputs; iii) prevalent crop pests and diseases and iv) absence of irrigation facilities. It was ascertained that though most farmers have not made conscious efforts to adapt strategies in their farming system to climate change and the social stressors, as expressed in ‘doing nothing or bearing losses’ and we are at the ‘mercy’ of the weather, there are hidden resilience mechanisms that can be harnessed to strengthen their adaptation capabilities. Women in the study area have adapted to the changes in the weather and safeguarded against post-harvest loss of cassava more effectively as compared to their male counterparts. Similarly, the prevailing group farming and maintenance structure (locally known as ‘Noboa’) strengthen the shared responsibility and reciprocity among migrant’ farmers.Conclusions:Though these agrarian communities have some coping strategies to overcome some climatic and socioeconomic challenges, their general adaptive capacity in terms of physical, financial and human assets are limited. This, therefore, calls for the capacity building of both men and women on best farming practices, adaptation strategies and piloting of irrigation systems to enhance their major livelihood but these must be complemented with good road network for ease of access to the market centres.

Impacts of Changing Climate on Maize Production in the Transitional Zone of Ghana

This study sought to assess the challenges and opportunities that come with climate change and variability impacts on maize farming in the Nkoranza South Municipality in the Transitional Zone of Ghana. The mixed method approach (qualitative and quantitative) was used in collecting the data. Rainfall data obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) indicated that the dry cell between the major and minor rainy seasons was getting wetter and the two seasons were gradually merging whereas the first and last quarters of the year were getting drier over the last couple of decades. The situation over the last five years (2010-2015) had worsened as the amount of total rainfall had reduced by 22% compared to the 30 year period between 1960 and 1982. The results of the study showed that farmers had perceived changes in climate in the form of decreasing rainfall, rising air temperatures and seasonal changes in rainfall pattern which were affecting their maize farming operations. The major setbacks within the area were deficit in rainy days and intermittent erratic rainfall affecting maize production. The major opportunity available to farmers in the face of changing climate in this agroecological zone was cashew production. About 76.8% of the respondents had diversified into cashew farming as a result of rainfall failure and strong resistance of the cashew trees to changing and variable climate.