In an agrarian economy like Ghana, the need to understand climate change is as paramount as finding solutions to address the challenges of climate change. While a large body of literature has focused on exploring the impact of climate change, very few studies in Ghana have attempted to expand our knowledge on the extent of climate change across ecological zones in Ghana. This study used Ghana Meteorological Agency's climate data from 1989 to 2015, to assess the characteristics and trends of rainfall and temperature across the six ecological zones in Ghana. With the aid of descriptive statistics, Mann-Kendall test, linear regression, analysis of variance and post-hoc comparison using Tukey HSD test, the study found increasing trend of temperature and decreasing rainfall across ecological zones and provided policy recommendations essential to offset the adverse impact of climate change particularly on agriculture.

This study adopted mixed methods design and employed questionnaire and interview to investigate climate trends and smallholder farmers' perception of climate change as well as the relationship between climate data and farmers' perception, and the determinants of perception in Adansi North District of Ghana. The study randomly and purposively selected 378 respondents and 41 key informants, respectively. Descriptive, inferential, trend and thematic analysis were employed. Results showed that the majority of smallholder farmers have observed increase in intensity (96.8%) and duration (94.7%) of temperature, and delay onset (82.8%) and early cessation (89.2%) of rainfall as well as increase in wind intensity (79.4%). Climate data also revealed rising trends of rainfall, wind speed and temperature. Nevertheless, there was no significant relationship between farmers' perception and climate data. Information from family and friends and government, particularly local institutions and extension service significantly influence farmers' perception. In addition, television and radio were significant predictors of farmers’ perception. The study recommends intensification of climate education, mass awareness and capacity development programmes.

No abstract

While there is no doubt that extension services play an active role in promoting smallholder farmers’ adaptive capacity and adaptation to climate change, there is a dearth of information and research on how this institution champions climate change adaptation in rural farming communities in Ghana. This study employed a qualitative case study design and interviewed 15 extension officers and 26 smallholder farmers to understand how extension services enhance smallholder farmers’ climate change adaptive capacity and adaptation in the rural Adansi North District in Ghana. The findings indicate that extension services adopt multiple strategies to build the adaptive capacity of farmers to climate change. Through the transfer of skills and knowledge, technology and innovations, supply of inputs, technical advice and liaison role with existing local institutions, farmers are able to adapt to climate change. The study further revealed that extension services are hindered by geographical, sociocultural and economic challenges which affect their alignment and fitness to effectively assist smallholder farmers. The study recommends strengthening the capacity of the extension institution. Moreover, more experts must be trained to provide special, targeted and important services to smallholder farmers in respect of climate change sensitization and adaptation.

No abstract