Climate Change Adaptation and Transformation of Smallholder Farming System in Mid-Ghana

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The forest-savannah transition zone in mid-Ghana is considered the breadbasket of the country. The negative impacts of climate change manifesting as early termination of rainfall and changing bimodal rainfall regime has a disproportional effect on smallholder farming in the transitional zone. It is emerging that a greater percentage of farmlands are being transformed from food crop production into cashew (Anacardium occidentale) plantations as a response to the negative impacts of climate change. This chapter investigates the implication of the transformation for food security and smallholder farmer’s livelihoods. Data were collected through household surveys and focus group discussions among smallholder farmers, and stakeholder interviews. Findings showed that though the farmers acknowledged that systemic transformation from food crop system, mainly maize and yam, to cashew plantation is an adaptive strategy to observed changes in rainfall and temperature, the major drivers were economic gains and land security. However, the conversion has imminent threat to food security as occasional low prices put immense stress on household incomes.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHandbook of Climate Change Management
Subtitle of host publicationResearch, Leadership, Transformation
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages251-263
Number of pages13
Volume1
ISBN (Electronic)9783030572815
ISBN (Print)9783030572808
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2021

Keywords

  • Agricultural tenancies
  • Climate change resilience
  • Environmental conservation
  • Food and income security
  • Social well-being
  • Women empowerment

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