Browsing by Subject "Adaptation"

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Adaptation to climate change or non-climatic stressors in semi-arid regions? Evidence of gender differentiation in three agrarian districts of Ghana
(Elsevier, Science Direct - Environmental Development, 2016-08) Ahmed, A.; Lawson, E.T.; Mensah, A.; Gordon, C.; Padgham, J.
With the increasing impacts of climate change in Africa, a relationship between rainfall and yields in semi-arid Ghana has been observed. Drawing insights from three agrarian societies in the semi-arid region of Ghana using qualitative research methods, the study reports how people currently deal with climate variability as insight on how they will deal with climate change in the future. The findings indicate wide gender inequality in decision making processes and land access resulting from patriarchal local customs and institutions that shape adaptation responses of different vulnerable social groups to climatic or non-climatic stressors. Different adaptation practices of groups indicate that both climatic and non-climatic stressors shape the kind of responses that groups adopt. From the current adaptation practices, efforts to improve adaptation to future climate change at local levels must give attention to the nexus of both climatic and non-climatic stressors, gender, differential vulnerabilities and other subjectivities that produce a particular adaptation practice in a given place.
Adaptation to climatic hazards in the savannah ecosystem: Improving adaptation policy and action
(Springer US, 2017-10) Yiran, G.A.B.; Stringer, L.C.
People in Ghana’s savannah ecosystem have historically experienced a range of climatic hazards that have affected their livelihoods. In view of current climate variability and change, and projected increases in extreme events, adaptation to climate risks is vital. Policies have been put in place to enhance adaptation across sub-Saharan Africa in accordance with international agreements. At the same time, local people, through experience, have learned to adapt. This paper examines current policy actions and their implementation alongside an assessment of barriers to local adaptation. In doing so it links adaptation policy and practice. Policy documents were analysed that covered key livelihood sectors, which were identified as climate sensitive. These included agriculture, water, housing and health policies, as well as the National Climate Change Policy. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were also held with key stakeholders in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Analyses were carried using thematic content analysis. Although policies and actions complement each other, their integration is weak. Financial, institutional, social, and technological barriers hinder successful local implementation of some policy actions, while lack of local involvement in policy formulation also hinders adaptation practice. Integration of local perspectives into policy needs to be strengthened in order to enhance adaptation. Coupled with this is a need to consider adaptation to climate change in development policies and to pursue efforts to reduce or remove the key barriers to implementation at the local level
Adaptation to compound climate risks: A systematic global stocktake
(iScience, 2023) Simpson, N.P.; Williams, P.A.; Mach, K.J.; Berrang-Ford, L.; Biesbroek, R.; Musah-Surugu, J.I.; et al.
This article provides a stocktake of the adaptation literature between 2013 and 2019 to better understand how adaptation responses affect risk under the particularly challenging conditions of compound climate events. Across 39 countries, 45 response types to compound hazards display anticipatory (9%), reactive (33%), and maladaptive (41%) characteristics, as well as hard (18%) and soft (68%) limits to adaptation. Low income, food insecurity, and access to institu tional resources and finance are the most prominent of 23 vulnerabilities observed to negatively affect responses. Risk for food security, health, livelihoods, and economic outputs are commonly associated risks driving responses. Narrow geographical and sectoral foci of the literature highlight important conceptual, sectoral, and geographic areas for future research to better understand the way responses shape risk. When responses are integrated within climate risk assessment and management, there is greater potential to advance the urgency of response and safeguards for the most vulnerable.
Adapting to changing climate through improving adaptive capacity at the local level – The case of smallholder horticultural producers in Ghana
(Climate Risk Management, 2019-01) Williams, P.A.; Crespo, O.; Abu, M.
The consequences of changing climate are often negatively impacting agricultural production, particularly vulnerable smallholder farmers. Smallholder systems heterogeneity requires local specific climate adaptation for reducing the negative impacts of changing climate in regions heavily relying on small farms agriculture. This study examined the trend in climate in Ghana, how smallholder horticultural farmers perceive this changing climate and how they are responding to its perceived effects. A survey of 480 resource-constrained horticultural producers was conducted in two municipalities of Ghana. Descriptive analysis and Weighted Average Index were employed to rank identified adaptation strategies and challenges. The results showed that farmers are already experiencing increasing temperature and declining rainfall patterns consistent with trends of observed climate changing in the last two decades. To reduce vulnerability and improve resilience of smallholders’ production activities, a range of farmer driven soil, water and crop conservation measures and farm management practices are being adopted. The most important adaptation practices identified include fertilization, supplementary irrigation, crop rotation, intercropping and mixed farming. Enhancing households’ climate adaptive capacity is dependent on factors such as improved access to financial resources, climate and production information, market accessibility, farm equipment, storage facilities and other institutional support. To facilitate effective and successful adaptation at the local level, government and institutional support are recommended to complement households’ autonomous strategies for improved decision-making, adaptation plans and actions.
Assessing the Impact of Flood Experience on Household Livelihood in Selected Communities Within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (Gama)
(University of Ghana, 2021-06) Tungbani, B.
Flood experience and household livelihood disruption remain a global challenge. This is most severe in developing countries which still records very high cases of flood disasters. The study examined the relationship between flood experience and household livelihood outcomes in selected communities within the seven districts forming the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA). Flood experience in the study was measured based on households' frequency of floods experienced occasionally, yearly, and seasonally. Household livelihood outcome was measured by a composite index score as livelihood disrupted. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the relationship between flood experience and household livelihood outcomes. The 2017 Cities and Climate Change survey is the main data source of the study. The study used a sub-sample of 823 households that experience floods in the study area. A majority (78%) of the households were found to be experiencing flooding yearly and seasonally which indicates that floods experience among the study population was prevalent. Results from the analysis indicate that; flood experience, employment status, district of residence, the community of location, and household level of adaptation were statistically significant predictors variables on household livelihood disruption. However, educational attainment, wealth group, age, sex, marital status, household size, tenancy agreement, and the community level adaption outcome were not significant predictors of household livelihood disruption. The study, therefore, concludes that the entire study area is vulnerable to the occurrence of floods and recommends that interventions should be made by the individual, community, and government levels in mitigating flood disasters.
Building the adaptive capacity for livelihood improvements of Sahel Savannah farmers through NGO-led adaptation interventions
(Climate Risk Management, 2019-09-24) Tahiru, A.; Sackey, B.; Owusu, G.; Bawakyillenuo, S.
The paper explores the extent to which NGO-led interventions on climate change adaptation over the years have developed the adaptive capacity of farmers in Ghana. Drawing on the experiences of farmers from the Savelugu Municipal Assembly in Ghana, the paper investigates whether the adaptation practices by NGOs are localized and sufficiently progressive to ensure sustainable adaptation. The study is situated within the interpretive paradigm using a qualitative approach. Data was collected through interviews and focus group discussions with NGOs and farmers in the municipality. The study finds that institutions, particularly international NGOs and the various interventions they led, have been very critical for developing potential of farmers to be actively involved in the processes of change to minimize the negative impacts of climate change. They provide direct and indirect capacity building activities such as providing farmers with information on climate change and its impact on their yields and livelihoods, building farmers skills and knowledge to deal adequately with climate variability, laying the foundations for individuals to build various capitals, directly assisting in coping and adaptive livelihood activities, financial assistance to build livelihood capitals and engaging in impact offsetting strategies. These determinants of the adaptive capacity provide interesting input in terms of guidance for management options to enhance the adaptive capacity of the communities in the face of climate change. Such results are significant in informing policy and practice at the national and local levels.
Climate change and cerebrospinal meningitis in the Ghanaian meningitis belt
(International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2014-07) Codjoe, S.N.A.; Nabie, V.A.
Cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) is one of the infectious diseases likely to be affected by climate change. Although there are a few studies on the climate change-CSM nexus, none has considered perceptions of community members. However, understanding public perception in relation to a phenomenon is very significant for the design of effective communication and mitigation strategies as well as coping and adaptation strategies. This paper uses focus group discussions (FGDs) to fill this knowledge lacuna. Results show that although a few elderly participants ascribed fatal causes (disobedience to gods, ancestors, and evil spirits) to CSM infections during FGDs, majority of participants rightly linked CSM infections to dry, very hot and dusty conditions experienced during the dry season. Finally, community members use a suite of adaptation options to curb future CSM epidemics. © 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Climate change and shift in cropping system: from cocoa to maize-based cropping system in Wenchi area of Ghana
(SCIENCE DOMAIN INTERNATIONAL, 2012-06-06) Adjei-Nsiah, S.; Kermah, M.
A study was conducted in Wenchi Municipality in the forest/savanna transitional agro-ecological zone of Ghana to analyse the past and present cropping systems and to identify the key drivers responsible for the shift. We used key informant and semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and field observations for data collection. Historical analyses of the present and past cropping systems indicated that over the past forty years, there has been a shift from cocoa based to maize based cropping system. The shift in the cropping system was prompted by decline in the yield of cocoa and the difficulty in establishing new cocoa farms as a result of changing rainfall pattern, frequent bushfires and increase in the dry season. Other factors attributed to the shift by farmers included land tenure, soil fertility decline and vegetation change. Strategies being used by farmers to adapt to the changing climate and variability include planting of drought tolerant crops such as cassava, yam and maize and adjusting planting dates of crops to coincide with the onset of the rains. The study indicates that future shift in cropping system from maize to cocoa-based system is unlikely due to deforestation activities and the prevailing climatic conditions.
Climate change/variability and food systems: Evidence from Afram Plains, Ghana
(Springer, 2011) Codjoe, S.N.A.; Owusu, G.
While there are many studies of the impacts of climate change and variability on food production, few studies are devoted to a comprehensive assessment of impacts on food systems. Results of a survey of food systems and household adaptation strategies in three communities in the Afram Plains, Ghana, reveal how extreme climatic events affect rural food production, transportation, processing and storage. Adaptation strategies implemented by the three communities during past droughts serve as a foundation for planning responses to future climate change. Results of this study suggest that food security in this region—where droughts and floods are expected to become more severe due to climate change—could be enhanced by increasing farm based storage facilities; improving the transportation system, especially feeder roads that link food production areas and major markets; providing farmers with early warning systems; extending credit to farmers; and the use of supplementary irrigation. This study also indicates that some cultural practices, particularly those that prohibit the consumption of certain foods, may reduce the resilience of some individuals and ethnic groups to food system disruptions. Understanding the local context and the responses of households is critical to the development of effective strategies for reducing the potential adverse impacts of climatic change on food security in rural Ghana.
Climate variability and climate change impacts on smallholder farmers in the Akuapem north district, Ghana
(Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation, 2017-04) Owusu, K.; Obour, P.B.; Asare-Baffour, S.
Climate change is unequivocal and these changes have increased over the past few years. The recent vulnerability and prospect of climate variability and change impact, thus, warrants measures now to reduce the adverse impacts. This is especially important in relation to smallholder farmers whose activities provide large proportion of the food consumed in the developing world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. A qualitative approach was used to collect data on the perceptions of smallholder farmers from three communities in the Akuapem North District in Ghana. The perceptions of the farmers about rainfall changes were compared with the empirical daily rainfall total data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency to corroborate changes in rainfall. By comparing the perceived changes in the rainfall of the district with the empirical data, it was identified that shifts in the rainfall regime was themain cause of crop failures in the study area but not decline in the annual rainfall total. Farmers being aware of changes in the rainfall have employed new stresses to improve their productivity. However, it was observed that non-climatic stresses such as low capital and absence of institutional support in the district have increased smallholder farmers’ vulnerability. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015.
Climate Variability and Communities' Vulnerability along Ghana's Coastline
(Ghana Social Science Journal, 2020-06) Poku-Boansi, M.; Amoako, C.; Owusu-Ansah, J.K.; Cobbinah, P.B.
Over the last three decades, communities along Ghana's coastline have been affected by storm surges, coastal floods and erosion from relatively less predictable hydro meteorological hazards and disasters. Using selected coastal communities in the Keta municipality, this study explores the vulnerabilities of coastal communities in Ghana and the effectiveness of emerging adaptation interventions. Evidence for the study was gathered through a review of relevant secondary documents: a household survey: focus group discussions and institutional consultations. The paper reveals several hydro meteorological risks (e.g., shoreline erosion, storm surges) which threaten the inundation of some communities and the destruction of infrastructure and coastal resources. While there is evidence of adaptive governance in terms of institutional efforts (construction of sea defence wall), there is limited state commitment towards climate change adaptation and poor local community engagement. State interventions require co-ordinated and sustained efforts from national and local level institutions to ensure adaptation and resilience to coastal vulnerability.
Comparing farmers’ perception of climate change and variability with historical climate data in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
(Ghana Journal of Geography, 2015) Laouli, M.A.; Villamor, G.B.; Attua, E.M.; Traoré, S.B.
Perception of climate change and variability supported by local knowledge has helped to advance understanding of climate change and its impacts on agricultural land-use systems. This study compares farmers’ perception of climate change and variability in four communities of the Upper East Region of Ghana. Using a sample of 186 households from these four communities, farmers’ perception was compared with historical climatic data from the closest weather station of the study area. Also, logistic regressions were used to estimate factors that influence the perception of climate change and variability in the area. Findings show that 71% of respondents perceived an increase in temperature which matches with the climatological evidence. On the other hand, decreasing rainfall with a shortening period was observed by 95% of respondents. From the climatological data, no real evidence of reduction in the amount of rainfall was apparent due to the high inter-annual variability. Unlike the rainfall data, there is an agreement between climatological data and farmers’ observation that the onset of the rainy season is now shifting from April to June, accompanied by an increasing dry spell. In contrast, there is a divergence concerning the length of the growing season which is explained by the strong influence of the onset rather than by the end of the rainy season. From the findings of the binary logistic analyses, the local topography and the information on weather and climate were significant in determining the likelihood of a good perception of climate change and variability. Therefore, for any policy directed at farmers to adopt adaptation measures to climate change, more attention should be given to the role of the local environment and access to climate-related information.
Considering effective adaptation options to impacts of climate change for maize production in Ghana
(Environmental Development, 2013-01) Tachie-Obeng, E.; Akponikpè, P.B.I.; Adiku, S.
As a contribution to guide policy planning, effective climate change adaptation options to enhance maize production in Ghana were examined. The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator crop model, coupled with statistical downscaled climate scenarios of 9 general circulation models (GCMs) and farmer practices, were used to device adaptation options in the near future (NF) period of 2046-2065 based on IPCC A2 emission scenario at local scale level in Wa and Wenchi agricultural areas of Ghana. Results from the single-maize cropping season at Wa, in the savanna zone indicate that, a 6-week delay in sowing from 1961 to 2000 baseline date of 1st May to 15th June, was the most appropriate way to offset the negative effects of potential climate change resulting in a yield increase of 8.2%. In the forest-savanna transitional zone of Wenchi, a 4-week delay in the major season sowing date from 15th March to 15th April and no change in the minor season sowing date of 15th August resulted in a slight yield increase of 3.9%. On the other hand, a second adaptation option of using a medium heat-tolerant maize variety produced substantial gains in crop yield of 30.1% and 30.5% in savanna and forest-savanna transitional zones respectively with a longer grain-formation period under NF climate change when compared to delaying sowing dates. Effective adaptation options can thus reduce negative impacts of climate change in the NF, but require enabling policy to support its implementation. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.
Cultural dimension and adaptation to floods in a coastal settlement and a savannah community in Ghana
(Springer Netherlands, 2016) Codjoe, S.N.A.; Issah, A.D.
Although there have been a lot of studies on climate change adaptation, the cultural dimension has generally been left out of the debate. This study uses household surveys and focus group discussion to methodically assess cultural dimensions (using Hofstede) of communities, and how these dimensions influence preference for adaptation options to floods in a coastal settlement (James Town) and a savannah community (Dungu) in Ghana. The results show that first, inequalities in rank and traditional hierarchical governance structures in Dungu are relatively lower than in James Town, second, that there is considerable gender bias in favour of males in Dungu, third, there is high level of avoidance of unstructured and unpredictable situations in both communities, fourth, members in both communities are at present very willing to sacrifice their time and resources in order to achieve a better life in the future, and fifth, community members in Dungu perceive themselves as a single unit, and will do their best to come to the aid of members who need help during environmental disasters. The analysis further shows that cultural dimensions in the two communities generally influence the choice of adaptation options to floods. It has been recommended that specific local research such as this one which provides opportunities to analyse the cultural dimensions of adaptation within communities should be encouraged. This is because an understanding of the local cultural context has the potential to assist with the design of effective adaptation options in communities.
Dealing with climate change in semi-arid Ghana: understanding intersectional perceptions and adaptation strategies of women farmers
(GeoJournal, 2019-02) Lawson, E.T.; Alare, R.S.; Salifu, A.R.Z.; Thompson-Hall, M.
Climate change has diverse physical and socio-economic implications for communities in semi-arid areas. While several studies have sought to understand the underlying power relations that shape adaptive capacities of rural farmers, fewer studies have focused on unpacking the differences within the different social groups. In this paper, we present a case study based on women smallholder farmers from semi-arid Ghana. It explores their nuanced perceptions of climate variability and highlights how gender intersects with other identities, roles and responsibilities to influence adaptation strategies and barriers to adaptation in the semi-arid context. Farm-level data was collected from 103 women farmers using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Rainfall patterns were perceived by the women farmers to be increasingly erratic and perceptions of average temperatures were that they are increasing. Adoption of adaptation strategies were influenced by socio-demographic factors such as age, marital and residential status, which also influenced decision-making and power dynamics within the household. The paper highlighted the complex relationships that mediate women farmers’ access to resources and influence their vulnerability to climate variability and change. Highlighting the intra-gender differences that shaped the adaptation options and adaptive capacity is a prerequisite for proper adaptation policy planning and targeting.
The effects of 2015 El Nino on smallholder maize production in the transitional ecological zone of Ghana
(International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, 2019-04) Owusu, K.; Emmanuel, A.K.; Musah-Surugu, I.J.; Yankson, P.W.K.
Purpose This 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/approach The 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. Findings The 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/value The 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.
Exploring methodological approaches to assess climate change vulnerability and adaptation: reflections from using life history approaches
(Regional Environmental Change, 2019-11-26) Ansah, P.; Singh, C.; Tebboth, M.; Spear, D.; Mensah, A.
People in developing countries face multiple risks, and their response decisions sit at the complex and often opaque interface of climatic stressors, constrained resource access, and changing livelihoods, social structures, and personal aspirations. Many risk management studies use a well-established toolkit of methodologies—household surveys, focus group discussions, and semistructured interviews.We argue that such methodological conservatism tends to neglect the dynamic and differentiated nature of livelihood decisions. Since different methodologies privilege different portrayals of risk and response, we highlight how plural methodological approaches can capture a broader range of perspectives and problematisations. In this paper, we draw on life history (LH) interviews across four countries (Kenya, Namibia, Ghana, and India) to offer one way of expanding current methodological approaches on vulnerability and adaptation. We argue that LHs offer four key ‘value additions’. First, LHs give insights into the multiple and interacting nature of drivers of response behaviour. Second, they highlight intra-household dynamics to demonstrate how people with differential power shape risk management decisions. Third, LHs support explorations of past decisions, present situations, and future aspirations, thus producing temporally nuanced enquiries. Fourth, they provide a powerful analytical lens to capture the interplay of motivations, aspirations, and values on livelihood choices and adaptation outcomes. By adding value in these four ways, LHs challenge assumptions about how and why people respond to multiple risks and offer a nuanced understanding of adaptation processes.
Exploring The Trends And Impacts Of Climate Change-Induced Coastal Hazards In Keta, Ghana: Existing Adaptation Strategies And Possibilities Of Nature-Based Solutions
(University Of Ghana, 2021-07) Lah, G.S.
The rise in climate change-induced hazards including floods, erosion, tidal waves, and storms across coastal socio-ecological zones in recent years poses significant threats to the achievement of sustainable development. The Keta Municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana is arguably one of the most vulnerable to a range of climate-induced coastal hazards. The main purpose of the study is to explore the trends and impacts of climate change-induced coastal hazards in Keta, Ghana, with existing adaptation strategies and possibilities of nature-based solutions. The study employed household questionnaire surveys (n=90), key institutional stakeholder surveys (n=18), and Landuse/Landcover Change (LULC) assessment of the years 2010 and 2020 for data collection and analysis. Results for the trends and impacts of climate change-induced hazards in the Keta township show that respondents reported (51%) for floods and (28%) for erosion as the most common climate change-induced coastal hazards. 18% of respondents identified high tide in certain parts of the township with fewer reports for stormwater (3%). The impacts of these hazards according to respondents over the years have included the displacement of households (57%) and destruction of properties (77%) in the township. The existing local-level adaptation and mitigation options for these hazards over the years have been; (i) the filling of compounds with sea sand to reduce floods and erosion impacts in Xekpa (26%), Tetekorpe (16%), Gobamodzi (21%), and Keta (21%) communities, (ii) the creation of holes in fence walls to reduce floods and tidal waves impacts by respondents in Xekpa (12%), Tetekorpe (10%), Gobamodzi (9%), Abutiakorpe (11%), Keta (21%), Vui (13%), and Dzelukorpe (20%), and (iii) the planting of trees to reduce erosion and other benefits in the township. Evidence of Nature-based solutions exists in the communities’ approaches to managing climate change-induced hazards in the township. However, the majority of respondents preferred floodwater transfer (37%), planting trees and grass (52%), construction of wetlands (50%), and managing of ponds (53%) to reduce climate change-induced hazards impacts in the township. Challenges to adopting nature-based solutions in the township included the cost of managing hazards (84%), availability of space for nature-based solutions (57%), availability of materials (66%), and severity of the climate-induced hazards (69%). Results from the landuse/landcover change assessment show that an increase in waterbody (0.4%), vegetation (1.4%), and farmlands (4%) occurred. Significant loss of settlements (5.5%) and bareland (3.3%) also occurred. This result has several implications on future climate-induced hazards impacts in the Keta township. Key institutional stakeholders’ study reveals that the lack of expertise, inadequate finance, lack of engagement with the local community, and political influence were major hindrances to the design, implantation, and management of Nature-based solutions in the township. To ensure that the Keta township is adequately prepared to adapt to climate change-induced hazards, the following recommendations should be considered. There should be a holistic involvement of all institutional stakeholders and the local community members at every stage of adaptation and Nature-based solutions planning and implementation. Secondly, adaptation strategies to managing climate-induced hazards should consider the use of sustainable long-term solutions while incorporating traditional ecological knowledge of the use of the natural environment. Furthermore, there should be adequate provision of human and infrastructural resources and planning of budgetary to support the adoption of nature-based solutions in the Keta township. As climate change-induced coastal hazards pose possible future threats in Keta, there should be occasional monitoring of the trends and impacts of hazards within the township. Keywords: Climate change, Adaptation, Nature-based solutions, Coastal, Hazards, Keta, Impacts
Farmers perception and adaptation to climate change: An estimation of willingness to pay
(Agris On-line Papers in Economics and Informatics, 2011-12) de-Graft Acquah, H.; Onumah, E.E.
This paper assesses farmers' perception and adaptation to climate change to enhance policy towards tackling the challenges climate change poses to the farmers in Ghana. With regards to farmers' perception and methods of adaptation, majority of the farmers perceived increase in temperature and decrease in rainfall pattern. Farmers' level of adaptation was found to be relatively high with majority of the farmers using changing planting dates, different crop varieties, soil conservation and water harvesting as the major adaptation measures to climate change impacts. However, access to water, high cost of adaptation, lack of information, lack of knowledge on adaptation, insecure property rights, insufficient access to inputs and lack of credits were identified as the major barriers to adaptation. The probit regression estimation results indicated that the probability of willingness to pay for climate change mitigation policies increases with age, years of education and ownership of farm land.
Farmers’ maladaptation
(Environmental Development, 2021) Asare-Nuamah, P.; Dick-Sagoe, C.; Ayivor, R.
Adaptation has become crucial in developing economies due to climate change impact, especially on agriculture, which is the backbone of many economies and the main source of livelihoods and food security. Some adaptation strategies applied in the context of developing countries, however, produce maladaptive outcomes, which are usually ignored in the planning phase of adaptation policies and programmes. This mixed methods study therefore explores adaptation strategies and the associated maladaptation outcomes of smallholder farmers in rural Ghana. The study administered questionnaire survey to 378 farmers and 41 key informants were interviewed. The major adaptation strategies of farmers included crop and livelihood diversification, agrochemicals application, and reduction in the number and size of meals. However, farmers’ adaptation strategies result in maladaptation outcomes through the release of greenhouse gases, environmental degradation, and contamination of water bodies as well as resource conflicts and increasing pressure on lands, among others, which affect their capacity to respond to future climate change. Adaptation policy makers and development practitioners should prioritize the minimization of maladaptation outcomes through intensive review and modification of programmes prior to their implementation and extensive education on best practices among smallholder farmers.