Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness

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Abnormal pricing in international commodity trading: Evidence from Ghana
(International Economics, 2022) Ahene-Codjoe, A.A.; Alu, A.A.; Mehrotra, R.
mispricing of international trade in natural resources contributes to significant tax base erosion from developing countries but is difficult to measure using aggregate trade statistics. In this paper, We apply a novel approach motivated by legal rules for trade and transfer, mispricing. to estimate. abnormal pricing in gold and cocoa exports from Ghana, i.e., exports valued outside an assumed arm's length price range that indicates fair market values. Using daily frequency, transaction-level data from Ghana Customs, our results indicate abnormally undervalued exports of gold and cocoa from Ghana equalled USD 8.8 billion in constant prices (base year 2011) or USD 4.1 billion in current prices between 2011 and 2017. Approximately 11% of gold dorm exports and 1% of cocoa bean exports, and 7.2% of cocoa paste exports appear abnormally undervalued. The implied corporate tax base erosion equals USD 2.2 billion in constant prices (base year 2011), corresponding to an average annual decrease of 0.3% in Ghana's tax-to-GDP ratio.
Access to Rural Bank Credit in Ghana: The case of women farmers in the Upper East Region, Ghana
(Ghana Journal of Development Studies, 2009) Akudugu, M.A.; Egyir, I.S.; Mensah-Bonsu, A.
Credit is an effective tool that can be used to turn life around for a person, a family or transform self-image, unlock potential and boost the productivity and well-being of the poor. This paper examines the extent of women farmers’ access to credit from Rural Banks (RBs) in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Data were collected from randomly sampled 200 women farmers from four districts and from the archives of the RBs in the region. Semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used for data collection. Growth rates of credit supplies and factors influencing women farmers’ credit access were estimated. The results of the empirical study revealed that the growth rate of credit supply by the RBs from 1998 to 2007 was about 18 percent per annum. Besides, credit supply to women grew at a lesser rate (18%) than that of men (19%) during the period. Factors influencing women farmers’ extent of credit access were found to be age, interest rates, farm size, association membership and formal education, among others. Hence, it is recommended that credit supply to women should be improved if the MDGs, particularly those on poverty and hunger reduction as well as gender equality and empowerment are to be attained.
Accessibility of Rice Farmers to the Ghana School Feeding Programme and its Effect on Output
(Agris On-line Papers in Economics and Informatics, 2015) Shaibu, A.F.; Al-Hassan, R.M.
The Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) is the Ghanaian version of a Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSP) that has a mandate to give one hot meal a day to school children in public schools from kindergarten through to primary six. The programme was launched in 2005 with the goal of contributing to poverty reduction and increased food security in Ghana. One of the key objectives of the programme is to boost domestic food production by sourcing GSFP raw materials locally, and providing a sustainable market for local food producers in the community. To analyse accessibility of rice farmers to the Ghana School Feeding Programme and its effect on production in three districts of the Northern Region of Ghana, a formal cross section survey of 100 small holder rice farmers was conducted. The transcendental logarithmic production function was applied to analyse the programme's effect on rice output in the three districts using access to the GSFP and other input variables. Our results show that farm labour, farm size, and fertilizer application were significant in increasing farmers' output while access to the GSFP market was not. Again there is no significant difference between the output of those who had access to the school feeding programme and those who do not.
Adaptive capacity and coping strategies in the face of climate change: A comparative study of communities around two protected areas in the coastal savanna and transitional zones of Ghana
(Journal of Sustainable Development, 2015-01) Egyir, I.S.; Ofori, K.; Antwi, G.; Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y.
Modern productivity-enhancing strategies (MPES) are considered to be some of the best adaptation options available to communities in the face of changing climatic conditions. The adaptive capacity of communities living around two protected areas (Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve and Muni-Pomadze Ramsar Site) in Ghana were assessed in relation to MPES by investigating household accessibility to human, social, natural, financial and physical capital. Information was collected from 249 and 250 respondents in Kogyae and Muni respectively. A logit model was used to find out whether adaptive capacity affected adoption of MPES. In both study areas, indigenous coping strategies such as use of simple farm tools, processing of root/tubers and grains and social grouping were practiced. The MPES practiced included application of fertilizers and other agrochemicals, use of high technology machinery and bunding in rice fields. The mean level of adaptive capacity of farm households was low in both areas; 0.30 and 0.27 in Kogyae and Muni respectively. The adoption of MPES was influenced positively by the level of human and physical capacities and farm size and location of protected area, and negatively by farmers' participation in off-farm activities. Farmers located in Kogyae were more likely to adopt productivity-enhancing strategies than their counterparts in Muni. Considering that access to the resources within the protected areas is restricted and not legally available to support livelihoods of the fringe communities, we conclude that enhancing access to both human and physical capitals is the way forward for climate change adaptation for these two communities. © 2015 by the authors.
Adoption of crop insurance in Ghana: an application of the complementary log-log truncated Poisson double-hurdle model
(Emerald Publishing Ltd, 2021) Addey, K.A.; Jatoe, J.B.D.; Kwadzo, G.T.
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to identify the factors that influence rice farmers’ decisions to adopt crop insurance and premium payments (willingness to pay [WTP] amounts). The paper also demonstrates the usefulness of the complementary log-log (cloglog) truncated Poisson double-hurdle model as an alternative hurdle model. Design/methodology/approach – The study first investigated the nature of the dependent variable, which had non-normal residuals and was overdispersed. The probit truncated normal regression double-hurdle model was tried but it failed the normality and homoscedasticity tests; hence, the cloglog truncated Poisson double hurdle model was employed in the study. Findings – An estimated 61% of respondents would purchase crop insurance, despite farmers not having prior experience with this product. Amongst others, the factors that influence insurance adoption amongst rice farmers are the share of rice in total income, reliability perception of crop insurance schemes and the probability of failure to achieve target yields. The latter helps the authors to address adverse selection, a central issue to the viability of such an insurance programme. The determinants of farmers’ WTP are also identified. Research limitations/implications – Sampling was limited to farmers using irrigation and living in one region of Ghana, which may limit the study’s wider applicability. Originality/value – As far as the authors are aware, this study is the first to select the appropriate hurdle model based on established properties of the dependent variable on this topic – crop insurance decisions.
Agency problem and hedging in agri-food chains: model and application
(Journal of Marketing Channels, 2009) Kuwornu, J.K.M.; Erno Kuiper, W.; Pennings, J.M.E.
The last four decades have seen the transformation of food supply chains from being supply-driven to becoming much more closely integrated with consumer demand. With this development, the transaction mechanism in food marketing channels has changed from open market mechanism to coordination through the use of contract-supply arrangements between farmers and food processors and retailers. In this paper, we assess the interaction of marketing channel members through the use of contracts and its impact on incentives, coordination costs, risk aversion, risk allocation and risk management strategies. For this purpose we specify a three-stage principal-agent supply chain model involving producers, wholesalers, retailers and a futures market. We compare the situation with and without futures market. The empirical results regarding the Dutch ware potato marketing channel during 1971-2003 reveal that as a result of increases in incentives to producers and wholesalers, the coordination costs of the marketing channel decreased significantly, both with and without futures trade. The coordination costs of the marketing channel in the case with a futures market appear to be lower than without futures, demonstrating the informational (that is, price discovery) role of futures markets.
Agricultural credit rationing in Ghana: What do formal lenders look for?
(Agricultural Finance Review, 2014-08) Awunyo-Vitor, D.; Al-Hassan, R.M; Egyir, I.; Sarpong, D.B
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of agricultural credit rationing by formal lenders in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – This study employed descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Heckman’s two-stage regression model to identify types of rationing faced by farmers and investigate factors that influence agricultural credit rationing by formal financial institutions. Data used in this study are gathered through a survey of 595 farmers in seven districts within Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Findings – The result reveals that farmers face three types of rationing. Evidence from the Heckman two-stage models shows that engagement in off farm income generating activities, increase in farm size, positive balances on accounts and commercial orientation of the farmers has the potential to reduce rationing of credit applicants by formal lenders. Practical implications – The results provide information on the factors that need to be considered as important in an attempt to reduce agricultural credit rationing by formal lenders. Originality/value – The value of this study is that farmers would use the results of this study to improve access to required amount of agricultural credit from formal financial institutions. The information would also benefit stakeholders in the agricultural sector, particularly youth in agriculture program organized by Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Ghana as how to improve access to credit and reduce rationing of program participants by formal financial institutions. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Alimental food consumption among urban households: An empirical study of Ghana
(Cambridge University Press, 2018-02) Meng, T.; Florkowski, W.J.; Sarpong, D.B.; Chinnan, M.S.; Resurreccion, A.V.A.
In developing countries, problems such as malnutrition and food insecurity are shifting from rural to urban areas because of rapid urbanization. However, regional variations in alimental food consumption within urban settings have often been ignored. Using survey data, our study examines regional patterns of expenditure on fresh vegetables, fruits, and peanut products in urban households of Ghana. After accounting for socioeconomic and demographic factors, food expenditure on fresh vegetables and peanut products and income elasticity vary significantly across major cities. Food distributors may adjust their marketing strategies, while policy makers should pay attention to possible disparities in urban areas. © The Author(s) 2018.
Alternative approaches to technical efficiency estimation in the stochastic frontier model
(Agris On-line Papers in Economics and Informatics, 2014-06) Acquah, H.D.-G; Onumah, E.E
Estimating the stochastic frontier model and calculating technical efficiency of decision making units are of great importance in applied production economic works. This paper estimates technical efficiency from the stochastic frontier model using Jondrow, and Battese and Coelli approaches. Simulated data is employed to compare the alternative methods. Empirical results show a strong correlation between the alternative methods regardless of the differences in the actual values of the efficiency estimates. Mean technical efficiency is sensitive to the choice of estimation method. Analysis of variance and Tukey's test suggest difference in means between the efficiency scores from different methods. Battese and Coelli's approach produces more homogenous estimates of technical efficiency when compared with the Jondrow's mean or mode approach. Our results suggest that differences in conclusion are possible when the alternative methods of measuring technical efficiency are applied.
An analysis of allocative efficiency of shea butter processing methods in the northern region of Ghana
(Academic Journals, 2011-04) Issahaku, H.; Al-hassan, R.; Sarpong, D.B.
This study estimated and compared the allocative efficiencies of the traditional, improved shea butter processing technology (ISBPT) and the bridge press (BP) methods of shea butter processing. Data were collected from 110 shea butter processors. Allocative efficiency estimates were obtained using the marginal product approach. The allocative efficiency indices for labour indicate that while labour input is over utilised in the traditional method, it is under utilised in the ISBPT and BP methods. The allocative efficiency indices for capital, show that capital input is over utilised in the traditional and ISBPT methods though the extent of over utilization is greater for the ISBPT method. Processors require training to build their entrepreneurship capacities to ensure their resource use efficiency.
Analysis of factors influencing caterers of the Ghana school feeding programme to purchase rice from local farmers in the Tamale metropolis, tolon-kumbungu and karaga districts
(Agris On-line Papers in Economics and Informatics, 2014-06) Shaibu, A.F.; Al-Hassan, R.M.
The Ghana School Feeding Programme is the local version of the Home Grown School Feeding. Launched in 2005, the programme has three basic objectives; Poverty Reduction and Food Security, Reducing Hunger and Malnutrition and Boosting Domestic Food production in Ghana. Studies have shown that the programme have had tremendous impact on school enrolment, retention and malnutrition but the same cannot be said about its agricultural portfolio. Indications are that the programme has not succeeded in boosting domestic food production. Over the years no clear procurement procedures relating to the purchase of foodstuff have been followed. Linkage between the Ghana School Feeding Programme and local farmers is a subject matter that is under-researched. This study therefore seeks to assess the factors that influence Ghana School Feeding Programme caterers to buy rice from local farmers in the Tamale metropolis, Tolon-Kumbungu and Karaga districts of the northern of Ghana. The findings will be useful to policy makers and rice farmers in generally especially with regard to agricultural marketing opportunities created by the School Feeding Programme. Analysis of the Ghana School Feeding Programme’s procurement of rice from local farmers was conducted using a probit regression model. The willingness of caterers to buy rice from the local farmer which is a binary choice is the dependent variable and the factors which are hypothesized to influence the decision of the caterer are the independent variables. The results show that majority of caterers buy rice from local millers and the market and very little from local farmers. The factors which had significant influence on the caterers to buy from the local rice farmer include, availability of storage facility, other jobs done by caterers, price of milled rice, easy location of rice farmers and delays in the payment of feeding bursaries. The Ghana School Feeding Programme Secretariat should employ caterers who are unemployed and do not have any other jobs doing. Also the provision of adequate storage facilities in schools and the early disbursement of feeding bursaries to caterers are essential in solving the problem of buying foodstuffs directly from farmers.
Analysis of fishers’ wellbeing in the western region of Ghana
(Development in Practice, 2023) Onumah, E.E.; Al-Hassan, R.M.; Ocran, J.; Béné, C.
Small-scale fisheries in Ghana are declining in response to the global fisheries crisis. The policies to curb this situation are dependent on the wellbeing of fishers in terms of material condition, quality of life, and transformative strategies for sustainable livelihoods. This paper employs survey data to investigate the wellbeing of fishers, using descriptives, principal-component analysis, and structural equation modelling. The results revealed that the summative effect of material condition and quality of life, and sustainability on fishers’ wellbeing is low. Despite the low ranking of income (lower among men fishers than women fishers) processors), basic necessities, and government support, fishers are still motivated to work but claim that their children may one day be locked out of the industry. This paper addresses the gap in the literature by establishing the need to enhance educational facilities for the children of fishers, while complementing with investments that create job opportunities in the fishing communities. This may eventually reduce dependence on the sea for sustainable fisheries.
Anthropogenic sources and environmentally relevant concentrations of heavy metals in surface water of a mining district in Ghana: A multivariate statistical approach
(Journal of Environmental Science and Health - Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering, 2010-11) Armah, F.A.; Obiri, S.; Yawson, D.O.; Onumah, E.E.; Yengoh, G.T.; Afrifa, E.K.A.; Odoi, J.O.
The levels of heavy metals in surface water and their potential origin (natural and anthropogenic) were respectively determined and analysed for the Obuasi mining area in Ghana. Using Hawth's tool an extension in ArcGIS 9.2 software, a total of 48 water sample points in Obuasi and its environs were randomly selected for study. The magnitude of As, Cu, Mn, Fe, Pb, Hg, Zn and Cd in surface water from the sampling sites were measured by flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Water quality parameters including conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids and turbidity were also evaluated. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis, coupled with correlation coefficient analysis, were used to identify possible sources of these heavy metals. Pearson correlation coefficients among total metal concentrations and selected water properties showed a number of strong associations. The results indicate that apart from tap water, surface water in Obuasi has elevated heavy metal concentrations, especially Hg, Pb, As, Cu and Cd, which are above the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (GEPA) and World Health Organisation (WHO) permissible levels; clearly demonstrating anthropogenic impact. The mean heavy metal concentrations in surface water divided by the corresponding background values of surface water in Obuasi decrease in the order of Cd > Cu > As > Pb > Hg > Zn > Mn > Fe. The results also showed that Cu, Mn, Cd and Fe are largely responsible for the variations in the data, explaining 72% of total variance; while Pb, As and Hg explain only 18.7% of total variance. Three main sources of these heavy metals were identified. As originates from nature (oxidation of sulphide minerals particularly arsenopyrite-FeAsS). Pb derives from water carrying drainage from towns and mine machinery maintenance yards. Cd, Zn, Fe and Mn mainly emanate from industry sources. Hg mainly originates from artisanal small-scale mining. It cannot be said that the difference in concentration of heavy metals might be attributed to difference in proximity to mining-related activities because this is inconsistent with the cluster analysis. Based on cluster analysis SN32, SN42 and SN43 all belong to group one and are spatially similar. But the maximum Cu concentration was found in SN32 while the minimum Cu concentration was found in SN42 and SN43. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Application of livelihood vulnerability index in assessing smallholder maize farming households' vulnerability to climate change in Brong-Ahafo region of Ghana
(Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 2017-07-17) Adu, D.T.; Kuwornu, J.K.M.; Anim-Somuah, H.; Sasaki, N.
Climate change is adversely affecting smallholder farming households in Africa and in particular in Ghana because their activity depends on climate-regulated water resources. This study examined the vulnerability of smallholder maize farming households to climate change in the Brong-Ahafo region of Ghana by employing the Livelihood Vulnerability Index with particular emphasis on access to and utilization of water resources. The primary data were based on 150 maize farming households, complemented by secondary data on rainfall and temperature over the period 1983e2013. To assess the climate change effects and related vulnerability, a comparative analysis was performed for theWenchi and Techiman municipalities in the Brong-Ahafo region. The empirical results revealed that farming households in Wenchi municipality were more vulnerable to climate change and weather variability in terms of food, water, and health than those in Techiman municipality. Furthermore, farming households in Wenchi municipality were more vulnerable in terms of adaptive capacity, taking into account the socio-demographic aspects, social networks, and livelihoods of households in the municipality than those in Techiman municipality. These results have implications for the initiation and implementation of climate change adaptation and household resilience projects by the government, donor agencies, and other related organizations in the two municipalities in the region.
Assessing drivers of maize storage losses in south west Benin using a fractional response model
(Journal of Stored Products Research, 2019) Ogoudedji, S.A.; Egyir, I.S.; Osei-Asare, Y.; Seini, A.H.W.; Honlonkou, A.
An assessment of drivers of maize storage losses was undertaken in south west Benin applying the Fractional Response Model on information collected from 400 smallholder maize farmers. The mean loss of maize during the storage period reported by farmers was estimated at 10.25 percent of the total harvest. The average marginal effect obtained from the fitted Fractional Response Model revealed that storage technologies, farmers’ post-harvest attitudes, insect damage, weather conditions and infrastructures play a significant role in storage losses maize farmers experience in south west Benin. The findings revealed that farmers who used bags and plastic containers respectively reduced storage losses by 6.7 and 7.8 percentage points compared to farmers who used woven granary baskets. The results also indicated that applying ash, neem leaves, pepper or lemon increased the storage loss by 4.11 percentage points compared to storing without protectant. Drying after harvesting decreased the storage loss by 1.9 percentage point. In contrast, the storage loss increased by 5.1 percentage points for respondents who reported insects as predators of their stored maize, and by 2.1 percentage points when it rains at the time of maize harvest. A one-degree increase in temperature was associated with an increase in storage losses of 4.4 percentage points and farmers who live at less than 26.09 km to market reduced storage losses by 0.17 percentage point. Effective policies for a sustainable reduction of storage losses among maize farmers in the area should consider the need to raise awareness about the loss issue that represents the use of woven granary basket, ash, neem leaves, pepper and lemon as storage technologies. Farmers should be informed to avoid harvesting during times of rain, encouraged to properly dry their produce after harvesting and sustainable hermetic equipment robust against insect growth during storage should be promoted. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd
Assessing maize farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate change and variability in ghana
(Agriculture (Switzerland), 2019-04-24) Al-Hassan, R.M.; Sadiq, M.A.; Kuwornu, J.K.M.; Alhassan, S.I.
This study examined the adaptation strategies of maize farmers to climate change and variability in the Eastern Region of Ghana using primary data collected from 150 maize farming households by the administration of structured questionnaires. The results of the multinomial logit regression revealed that rainfall perception, access to credit, and farming experience significantly influenced the adoption of recommended agricultural practices, whereas the adoption of soil-related strategies is influenced by gender and rainfall perception. Farming experience and rainfall perception influenced the adoption of improved varieties strategies. This study highlights the need for the development of water resources for maize production in the context of the changing climate. In this respect, the crucial roles of the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority, the agricultural extension division of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and other international organizations such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the World Bank regarding the development of irrigation facilities and the associated capacity building of the farmers are very important. Finally, the formation of Water User Associations for the smallholder farmers regarding the usage and maintenance of the irrigation facilities would be a step in the right direction.
Assessing public preferences for deep sea ecosystem conservation: a choice experiment in Norway and Scotland
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2021) Ankamah-Yeboah, I.; Armstrong, C.W.; Hynes, S.; Xuan, B.B.; Simpson, K.
Recent events around the world have revealed varying degrees of public support for climate change and environmental regulation. Applying a latent class logit model, this study investigates Norwegian and Scottish public’s economic support for proposed deep sea management policies for novel attributes, identifying the presence of preference heterogeneity. Marine litter and health of fish stocks were the attributes with the highest values in absolute terms. This was followed by the size of the protected area coverage, whilst the creation of jobs was the least valued. The results highlight public support for the further collective action required by the EU in moving beyond the 2020 objective of achieving good environmental status of Europe’s seas, despite the low WTP values of the minority classes in each country
Assessing the dimensions of transaction cost in the poultry industry: The case of the Ashanti Region of Ghana
(Journal of Food Distribution Research, 2009) Kuwornu, J.K.M.; Opoku, M.K.; Kwadzo, G.T.M.; Mensah-Bonsu, A.
This paper analyzes the dimensions of transaction cost in the poultry industry. We analyze asset specificity, frequency, uncertainty, and opportunism in the poultry industry in the Ashanti Region in Ghana. We examine these dimensions for all firms in the production chain: input suppliers, wholesalers, and retailers. The empirical analyses for the industry consisting of 128 firms (18 input suppliers, 50 farmers, 20 wholesalers, and 40 retailers) reveal that retailers assets are specific and cannot be redeployed for other purposes; retailers experience some opportunistic (self-seeking) behavior from trading partners (i.e., producers, wholesalers, or both), and wholesalers also experience opportunism from their trading partners (i.e. producers, retailers, or both). The assets of input suppliers and producers are not specific and can be redeployed for other purposes. Transaction was frequent and certain for all the firms in the industry. Based on these results we recommend that retailers should have market-contract relationships with both wholesalers and farmers to safeguard themselves against the hazards of opportunistic behavior, as their assets are specific. Furthermore, wholesalers should also have some market-contract relationship with farmers to protect them from farmers’ opportunistic behavior.
Assessing the factors of adoption of agrochemicals by plantain farmers in Ghana
(Journal of Enterprising Communities, 2011-01) Egyir, I.S.; Owusu-Benoah, E.; Anno-Nyako, F.O.; Banful, B.
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the key factors that influence the adoption of agrochemicals on plantain farms in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach: The paper employs probit estimation using data from a stratified random sample of 249 farmers in four districts in Ghana. Findings: The results show that adoption of agrochemicals is positively associated with: being literate, older than 40 years of age, having higher income from sales, living in villages distant to Accra (capital of Ghana), having access to hi-tech machinery, being migrant, and being linked to extension services and financial institutions. Contrary to expectation, a farmer's gender and association with farmer-based organizations (FBO) and non-governmental organizations (NGO) did not make a difference. Practical implications: The results suggest that there are no exclusions to innovation systems such as agrochemical adoption based on gender or living in rural areas; women are just as technologically empowered as men, while rural farmers have an option to retain their indigenous management practices or adopt new and improved practices such as using agrochemicals. Major efforts to improve access to agrochemical adoption lie with government extension officers, as the functions of FBO and NGO have yet to make a significant difference. More needs to be done to bring young, illiterate, low income and indigene farmers into inclusive plantain science techniques and applications in Ghana. Originality/value: The paper reveals how vulnerable groups such as rural populations and women plantain farmers are being included in systems that support agrochemical adoption. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
An Assessment of Institutional Importance of Climate Change Adaptation in the Volta River Basin of Northern Ghana
(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2018-12) Shaibu, M.T.; Alhassan, S.I.; Panyan, E.K.; Avornyo, F.K.; Konlan, S.P.; Salifu, S.
Climate change affects a lot of sectors including agriculture. Several measures are being adopted to avert the impacts associated with it. Water resources in semi-arid areas are not excluded. The study, conducted in Lawra District of Upper West region of Ghana was undertaken to identify and assess the adaptation strategies adopted by settlers along and in the Volta River Basin as well as to analyse the level of agreements among the institutions that are helping farmers to adapt to climate change impacts. This study used a mixed method including focus group discussion and a semi-structured questionnaire to obtain information from 160 farming households in 8 randomly selected communities in the Lawra district. Results revealed three classes of adaptation strategies which include environmental, cultural/agronomic and economic strategies. Majority (65%) of the settlers adopted the environmental practices, whiles 52% of the respondents also adopted the cultural/agronomic practices and less than half of the respondents (31%) adopted the economic practices. We viewed that adoption levels, though more than half of the respondents adopted the environmental and cultural strategies, are still not encouraging given the magnitude of interventions related to water management. The results also reveal that community watchdogs, climate change, agriculture and food security platforms and non-governmental organisations are the three most important institutions working to improve farmer resilience to climate change. Therefore the results could re-stimulate policy implementation with the overall aim of increasing adoption levels of the strategies. Only when this is done, will a significant step have been taken towards saving our water resources from climate change impacts.

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