Gender Analysis of Climate Vulnerability and Livelihood Strategies among Farming Households in Northern Ghana

Abstract

This study analysed both inter- and intra-households’ gender inequalities (climate vulnerability, productivity and welfare) and the effects of climate adaptation through livelihood diversification on gender inequalities in northern Ghana. A total of 619 farmers from 432 farm households were selected through a multistage sampling procedure. The data was analysed using multivariate probit, livelihood vulnerability index, and a self-selection corrected Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition model. From the results, climate responsive livelihood diversification was higher for male heads than female heads and female spouses. The hypothesis that climate responsive livelihood diversification strategies were independent was rejected. Climate vulnerability was highest for females and lowest for male heads. Gendered livelihood vulnerability gap was higher under livelihood diversification than without diversification. There was significant gendered productivity gaps of 394.537 kg/acre (58.8%) and 300.164 kg/acre (44.8%) between male heads and the female heads and between male heads and female spouses, respectively. There was also a significant gendered welfare gap of $45.85 (11.4%) (Equivalent of GH₵211.84) per annum between male and female headed households. The gendered productivity and welfare gaps were largely due to endowment differences. Livelihood diversification and climate change had significant effect on gendered productivity and welfare gaps. The study concluded that although livelihood diversification can reduce climate vulnerability and address productivity and welfare gaps between males and females, but it is not sufficient to address gender inequalities among the farming households . A side the promotion of livelihood diversification strategies, female farmers must be specifically and deliberately targeted for special purpose programs.