Adaptation Strategies of Cocoa Farmers to Climate Change at New Tafo in East Akim Municipality of the Eastern Region of Ghana

Abstract

The main issue of this thesis was to assess the adaptation strategies of cocoa farmers and the external support system in the face of climate change. The study was aimed at assessing the adaptation strategies of cocoa farmers to climate change at New Tafo in Ghana, the influence of the adaptation strategies on cocoa yield and the roles of local institutions in cocoa farmers’ adaptation strategies. Mixed method considering both quantitative and qualitative research design was adopted. With the quantitative method, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to cocoa farmers to assess their adaptation strategies to climate change in the community. A semi structured questionnaire was also designed and administered to local institutions to assess their roles in cocoa farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate change. In the study, the Slovin formula was used to determine the sample size where 120 cocoa farmers were attained from 171 sample population. Supply response model which is based on the production theory was used to assess the influence of adaptation strategy on cocoa yield. Agronomic practices were more important adaptation strategies than socio economic practices. The results of the regression model showed that sale quantity of cocoa beans, practice of soil conservation and agroforestry and fertilizer application were critical in high cocoa yields. The local institutions studied provided mainly technical information, financial assistance and material inputs towards cocoa farmers’ adaptation to climate change. The study recommends that socio-economic factors such as religion and finance should be considered in stakeholder choice of adaptation interventions in cocoa farming communities. Local agricultural extension workers should be supported to provide farmers with effective technical information on inputs and managerial practices in relation to climate change adaptation measures. Farmers’ concerns should be adequately integrated during the design and implementation of climate change adaptation policies.