Climate change knowledge, attitudes and adaptation among households in three major agro-ecological zones of Ghana: Implications for climate change education and sustainable development

Philip P.Kwesi Mantey, Robert L. Afutu-kotey, Michael A. Tagoe, Esther Attiogbe

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

Abstract

Climate change education constitutes an integral part of the education for the sustainable development agenda. To foster a change in behaviour that is aimed at creating a more sustainable future, the United Nations has emphasised the significance of creating awareness about climate change, adaptation capabilities, and reduction of vulnerabilities to climate-related disasters. The present chapter focusses on the state of climate change awareness and education in Ghana through an assessment of the household’s knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes to climate change in three major agro-ecological zones of Ghana. A structured questionnaire survey provided the main instrument for the data collection in selected communities within the Western, Bono and Northern Regions of Ghana. The findings suggest that at least half of the respondents have some, but mostly basic, level of knowledge and understanding of climate change. They have also experienced the considerable impacts on agricultural production, their health and livelihoods but most are unable to identify those impacts that are not directly affecting their communities. With only slightly more than a third (36%) of respondents reporting that they were doing so or knew of someone taking climate change adaptation measures, very little action is being taken by individuals in the study communities. Consequently, the majority of respondents (87%) were interested in learning more about climate change. The chapter concludes by calling for continued public education and climate change communication to raise awareness and ensure that individuals and communities have a broad and complete understanding of climate change, its impacts and community-specific adaptation options.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSustainable Community Development in Ghana
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages177-203
Number of pages27
ISBN (Electronic)9781040030950
ISBN (Print)9781032431833
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2024

Keywords

  • Climate Change Education
  • Ghana
  • Health
  • Household Knowledge
  • Livelihoods
  • Sustainable Development

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