Abstract:
Food security is a major issue affecting about 239 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, local
ecosystems-based adaptive strategies for reducing the impact of climate change and other stressors on food
production systems are very relevant in the national food security agenda. This study assessed how farmers in
communities of the environs of the Kogyae Strict Nature Reserves in the forest-savanna transition zone of Ghana
exploit a range of options for food production that spread and reduce risks and ensure sustainability of the local
environment. Through a cross-sectional survey involving focus group discussions, institutional data search and
on-site observations, the study investigated different ways to which the natural diversity of the environment has
been used by farmers to enhance farm productivity and farmer income. The study observed that climate
variability, land expropriation for protected area establishment, inappropriate use of farm technology and low
pricing for farm produce pose as major threats to sustainable agriculture in the area. These constraints have
compelled farmers to adopt a range of agro-diversity practices for increased farm productivity and income. They
include introduction of new crop varieties, adoption of innovative farm management practices, diversified farm
fields and sequential cropping systems. The study noted that the diversified systems have boosted farmer
productivity and incomes and contributed to their socio-cultural needs. The study recommends greater crop
intensification through the use of appropriate technologies and improved access to markets to consolidate farmer gains and livelihoods as well as ensuring food and nutritional security.
