RAINFALL VARIABILITY AND CROP PRODUCTION IN NORTHERN GHANA: THE CASE OF LAWRA DISTRICT

Though agriculture is the predominant occupation in Northern Ghana, the relationship between rainfall variability and crop production appears not to have been adequately investigated in the area. Crop production is largely characterized by smallholder subsistence farmers who depend solely on highly unpredictable and irregular seasonal rainfall. In recent times, rainfall variability has led to numerous incidences of drought and floods. This phenomenon has the potential to adversely affect crop production and food security in the area. This study analyses inter- and intra-annual variability of rainfall so as to identify the relationship between rainfall variability and crop production in a representative district of Northern Ghana. Available monthly rainfall data for 33 years (1980 - 2012) recorded at Babile station of the district was analyzed for seasonal and annual variability using the coefficient of variation (CV) and the precipitation concentration index (PCI). Total annual quantity of crop production data on main crops (i.e. maize, millet, sorghum, groundnut and cowpea) was used. The available data covered a period of 21 years (1992 - 2012). To verify the influence of rainfall variability on crop production, correlation analysis was conducted. Although the results showed moderate seasonal rainfall distribution, (i.e. PCI>11), the inter-seasonal and inter-annual rainfall variability (CV=0.19 and C=0.18 respectively) were moderate/less erratic. The results point to a negative correlation between annual rainfall and crop production for maize, millet, sorghum, groundnut and cowpea. At seasonal level sorghum, millet and groundnut showed negative correlation while maize and cowpea showed positive correlation. These results also point to a need for further studies to determine the influence of rainfall on arable land use and the periods of occurrence of drought in the study area. The results of this study would enable farmers to improve their crop production strategies

Farmers’ Perceptions about Adaptation Practices to Climate Change and Barriers to Adaptation: A Micro-Level Study in Ghana

This study analyzed the farmer-perceived importance of adaptation practices to climate change and examined the barriers that impede adaptation. Perceptions about causes and effects of long-term changes in climatic variables were also investigated. A total of 100 farmer-households were randomly selected from four communities in the Lawra district of Ghana. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs). The results showed that 87% of respondents perceived a decrease in rainfall amount, while 82% perceived an increase in temperature over the past 10 years. The study revealed that adaptation was largely in response to dry spells and droughts (93.2%) rather than floods. About 67% of respondents have adjusted their farming activities in response to climate change. Empirical results of the weighted average index analysis showed that farmers ranked improved crop varieties and irrigation as the most important adaptation measures. It also revealed that farmers lacked the capacity to implement the highly ranked adaptation practices. The problem confrontation index analysis showed that unpredictable weather, high cost of farm inputs, limited access to weather information, and lack of water resources were the most critical barriers to adaptation. This analysis of adaptation practices and constraints at farmer level will help facilitate government policy formulation and implementation

Determinants of farmers’ adaptation to climate change: A micro level analysis in Ghana

ABSTRACT This study analyzed socio-economic factors that influence farmers’ adaptation to climate change in agriculture. Perceptions regarding long-term changes in climate variables and the rate of occurrence of weather extremes were also investigated. Additionally, farmers’ perceived barriers to the use of adaptation practices were identified and ranked. A total of 100 farm-households were randomly selected from four communities in the Lawra district of Ghana and data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, focused group discussions and field observations. A logistic regression model and weighted average index were used to analyze the data. The results showed that 87 % of respondents perceived a decrease in rainfall amount, while 82 % perceived an increase in temperature over the past 10 years. Results of the weighted average index indicate that dry spell and drought have a higher annual rate of occurrence than flood. Empirical results of the logistic regression model showed that education, household size, annual household income, access to information, credit and membership of farmer-based organization are the most important factors that influence farmers’ adaptation to climate change. The main constraints on adaptation include unpredictability of weather, high farm input cost, lack of access to timely weather information and water resources. The policy implication of this study is that governments should mainstream barriers to, and choice factors of, adaptation practices to climate change related projects and programs

Determinants of Farmers’ Climate Risk Perceptions in Agriculture—A Rural Ghana Perspective

This study evaluates the socio-economic predictors of farmers’ perceptions about climate risk in agriculture. The levels of risk perception among different farmers’ wealth groups are also investigated. A total of 100 farmers in the Lawra district of Ghana are randomly selected and interviewed. Data is obtained through the use of semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. A climate risk perception index (CRPI) is derived and applied to assess the degree of perceived risk among different wealth groups of farmers. The linear regression model is also used to analyze the data. The results showed that 93% of farmers have perceived climate risk while 7% are not sure if they have perceived it. Results of the CRPI showed that resource-poor farmers are concerned about climate risk on agricultural production, while resource-moderate and resource-rich farmers are concerned about risk impacts on climatic variables, and health and socio-economy, respectively. Results of the regression model showed that education, age, a perceived increase in human disease and mortality, and a decrease in food security and incomes are predictors of risk perception. The policy implication of this study is that predictors of farmers’ climate risk perception should be factored into climate change risk communication in order to boost awareness and adaptation to climate change