Adaptation strategies of maize farmers in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipal of Ghana in response to climate change and variability

Title : Adaptation strategies of maize farmers in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipal of Ghana in response to climate change and variability

Abstract:

Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural production in Ghana, particularly for smallholder maize farmers who constitute the backbone of food security. This study investigated the adaptation strategies employed by maize farmers in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality in response to climate change and variability, examining the factors influencing their adoption and effectiveness. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research surveyed 280 maize farmers and conducted six focus group discussions with 65 participants. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, regression models, and thematic analysis to characterize adaptation practices and identify determinants of adoption. Findings revealed that 86.1% of farmers employed diverse adaptation strategies including adopting improved seed varieties (particularly drought-resistant and early-maturing types), organic compost application (45.7%), organic mulching (26.1%), conservation tillage (23.6%), and adjusting planting and harvesting times. Correlation analysis identified education level (r=0.199, p=0.001), age (r=-0.254, p=0.000), and farming experience (r=-0.252, p=0.000) as significant determinants of adaptation strategy adoption. The study also revealed that 88.6% of farmers reported increased temperatures, 70.4% experienced erratic rainfall patterns, and 67.5% observed increased drought frequency. Education level emerged as the strongest predictor of adaptation uptake (OR=2.14), followed by farming experience (OR=1.45) and age (OR=1.23), with younger and more educated farmers demonstrating higher propensity for adopting climate-smart practices. The research concluded that enhancing farmers' adaptive capacity requires strengthening agricultural extension systems, implementing comprehensive training programs on climate-smart agriculture, improving access to climate information services, and promoting community-based adaptation planning. The findings provide evidence-based insights for policy formulation and underscore the need for integrated, farmer-centered approaches to climate adaptation in Ghana's agricultural sector.

Biography:

Francis Aforve is an environmental scientist and climate advocate with over 10 years of experience in sustainable development and climate adaptation strategies across Ghana. He holds MSc. in Climate Change and Sustainable Development, University of Ghana. His research focused on climate adaptation strategies among maize farmers. As the Executive Director of the African Foundation for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, he leads national-level climate projects, including Ghana's Climate Risk and Vulnerability Information Portal. His expertise spans GIS applications, community-centered climate resilience initiatives, and translating research into actionable policy recommendations. Francis is committed to advancing evidence-based climate solutions throughout sub-Saharan Africa.