Climate Change and Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices: Opportunities and Challenges in the Semi-deciduous region of Ghana
E. Oppong *
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana and Department of Science Education, SDA College of Education, Agona, Ashanti, Ghana.
A. Opoku
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
H. O. Tuffour
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
Atta Poku P. Snr.
Department of Agriculture, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Ghana.
C. G. Kyere
Department of Science Education, SDA College of Education, Agona, Ashanti, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study was conducted to investigate small holder farmers’ awareness of climate-smart agricultural practices and challenges to climate change adoption in the semi-deciduous zone of Ghana.
Study Design: A descriptive research design was used for the study.
Place of study: The study was conducted within the Sekyere South district in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
Methodology: Questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Science [SPSS], version 20 was used for data analysis. Pearson Product Correlation was used to determine the correlation between variables and CSA at 0.05 significant level.
Results: Results from the study revealed that agroforestry (52.0%) and rainwater harvesting techniques (80.0%) were never known among majority of the respondents’ as CSA strategy. Besides, farmers were moderately aware of fire and pest management (48.0%) and crop rotation (36.0%) strategies as CSA approach (48%), as well as, minimum tillage which farmers testify of having a considerable idea on it (52%). Nonetheless, respondents often used improved seed variety (64%) and also resorted to residue management and usage (52%) as CSA options in crop productivity. The study further revealed that a higher segment of the farmers attested that no proper training/education, no governmental support, lack of finance, lack of climate information and non-availability of extension field officers, representing 64%, 76%, 84%, and 76% respectively were the major challenges faced by farmers in adopting and practicing climate-smart agriculture.
Conclusion: Farmers little knowledge on climate change impeded the successful adoption of CSA practices.
Keywords: Farmers, climate-smart, agriculture, climate change, adaptation