Abstract:
Background: Rain-fed agriculture remains the source of employment for a majority
of Ghana’s population, particularly in northern Ghana where annual rainfall is low. The
purpose of this study is to examine farmers’ perceptions and adaptation practices to
climate change and variability in accordance with actual recorded weather data of the
Vea catchment in Upper East Region of northern Ghana during the time interval from
1972 to 2012.
Methods: Climatic data over 41-years (1972–2012) from four stations in vicinity of the
catchment was evaluated to identify actual weather outcomes. A survey questionnaire
targeting farmers with at least 30-years of farming experience in the area was administered
in six of the eleven agricultural enumeration areas in the catchment covering
305 km2. Of the 466 farmers interviewed, 79 % utilized rain-fed practices while 21 %
utilized some form of irrigation.
Results: Results indicate that nearly 90 % of the farmers interviewed believe that temperature
increased over the past 30-years, while over 94 % of the farmers believe that
amount of rainfall, duration, intensity and rainy days has decreased. Nearly 96 % of the
farmers believe that their farms are extremely vulnerable to decreased rainfall, droughts
and changed timing of rainfall events. Climatic data of the catchment indicates a rising
trend in temperature but no long-term changes in annual and monthly rainfall, thereby
possibly increasing levels of evapotranspiration. While no statistical differences were
found between rain-fed and irrigation agricultural types regarding receipt of external
support, their approaches to climatic change adaptation do differ. Patently, 94 and
90 % of farmers relying on rain-fed and irrigation strategies respectively receive some
form of support, primarily via extension services. Farmers using rain-fed practices adjust
to climate variability by varying crop types via rotation without fertilizer while farmers
employing irrigation practices are more likely to offset climate variability with a greater
use of fertilizer application.
Conclusion: The Vea catchment faces rising temperature and evapotranspiration
trends. Farmers are aware of these climatic changes and are adapting strategies to
cope with the effects but require support. Adequate extension services and irrigation
facilities are needed to assist farmers in order to sustain their livelihoods on the long
run.
