TY - JOUR
T1 - The effects of 2015 El Nino on smallholder maize production in the transitional ecological zone of Ghana
AU - Owusu, Kwadwo
AU - Emmanuel, Ayisi Kofi
AU - Musah-Surugu, Issah Justice
AU - Yankson, Paul William Kojo
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2019, Kwadwo Owusu, Ayisi Kofi Emmanuel, Issah Justice Musah-Surugu and Paul William Kojo Yankson.
PY - 2019/9/23
Y1 - 2019/9/23
N2 - Purpose: This paper aims to provide empirical evidence on the El Nino and its effects on maize production in three municipalities: Ejura, Techiman and Wenchi in the transitional zone of Ghana. Using a mixed approach, the study details the effects of the El Nino on rainy season characteristics, particularly, rainfall amounts and distribution, onset and cessation of rains, duration of the rainy season and total seasonal rainfall and how it impacted smallholder maize production. Design/methodology/approach: The study used a mixed method approach in collecting and analyzing data. For stronger evidence building, (Creswell, 2013) the authors combined interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) to collect the qualitative data. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to extension officers, management information system officers and other relevant personnel of the Ministry of Agriculture in the three municipalities. Six FGD’s were held for maize farmers in six communities in all three municipalities. Findings: The study shows that the 2015 El Nino had dire consequences on farm yields, subsequently affecting farmer’s incomes and livelihoods. The study further finds that complex socio-cultural factors, some unrelated to the El Nino, aggravated the effects on maize farmers. These include the lack of adequate climatic information, predominance of rain-fed farming, a lack of capacity to adapt and existing levels of poverty. Originality/value: The study recommends inter alia, appropriate use of seasonal rainfall forecasting to enhance better farming decision-making and the development of elaborate climate variability interventions by national and local agencies.
AB - Purpose: This paper aims to provide empirical evidence on the El Nino and its effects on maize production in three municipalities: Ejura, Techiman and Wenchi in the transitional zone of Ghana. Using a mixed approach, the study details the effects of the El Nino on rainy season characteristics, particularly, rainfall amounts and distribution, onset and cessation of rains, duration of the rainy season and total seasonal rainfall and how it impacted smallholder maize production. Design/methodology/approach: The study used a mixed method approach in collecting and analyzing data. For stronger evidence building, (Creswell, 2013) the authors combined interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) to collect the qualitative data. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to extension officers, management information system officers and other relevant personnel of the Ministry of Agriculture in the three municipalities. Six FGD’s were held for maize farmers in six communities in all three municipalities. Findings: The study shows that the 2015 El Nino had dire consequences on farm yields, subsequently affecting farmer’s incomes and livelihoods. The study further finds that complex socio-cultural factors, some unrelated to the El Nino, aggravated the effects on maize farmers. These include the lack of adequate climatic information, predominance of rain-fed farming, a lack of capacity to adapt and existing levels of poverty. Originality/value: The study recommends inter alia, appropriate use of seasonal rainfall forecasting to enhance better farming decision-making and the development of elaborate climate variability interventions by national and local agencies.
KW - Adaptation
KW - Climate variability
KW - El Nino
KW - Ghana
KW - Rainfall
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85064003825&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1108/IJCCSM-02-2018-0014
DO - 10.1108/IJCCSM-02-2018-0014
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85064003825
SN - 1756-8692
VL - 11
SP - 609
EP - 621
JO - International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management
JF - International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management
IS - 5
ER -