Assessing nuanced social networks and its implication for climate change adaptation in northwestern Ghana
Date
2022
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
World Development Perspectives
Abstract
The current uncertainty, frequency and intensity of climate change impacts limit opportunities for climate
adaptation among smallholder farmers in developing countries. This paper seeks to critically examine how
gendered relations at the household level influence access to social networks for climate change adaptation in
northwestern Ghana. By doing so, the study contributes to an improved understanding of how inter-gender
dynamics shape adaptive capacities among vulnerable groups. Using semi-structured interviews and focus group
discussions and key informant interviews, a total sample size of 156 respondents were studied. The study also
employed an intersectional framework and a network analysis to examine the nuanced networks of smallholder
farmer households. Findings revealed that the interplay of age, marital status and educational levels influenced
access to social networks for support in minimising climate risk. As such, promoting adaptation actions without
addressing structural and relational inequalities within vulnerable communities may deepen existing
inequalities.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Climate change, Social capital, Gender