SUSTAINABLE INTENSIFICATION AGRICULTURE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN NORTH-WESTERN GHANA

Abstract

Climate change and climate variability have had a profound effect on agriculture in Developing Countries, adversely affecting smallholder farmers the most. Farmers are responding in diverse ways but the response that is the subject matter in this thesis, is, how smallholder farmers are practicing Sustainable Intensification Agriculture (SIA) for adapting agriculture to climate change and climate variability in north-western Ghana. The study employed a mixed research design involving the application of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. In particular, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, household case studies and a household survey were the primary methods of data collection and analysis. First, the results reveal a shift from the cultivation of large bush farms to smaller compound farms, valley fields and gardens for supporting smallholder farmer practices of SIA for climate change adaptation. Secondly, the results also show that farmers employ Integrated Soil and Water Management, comprising the application of manure and compost, ridging and bunding for improving the moisture retention capacity of soils. Finally, the results also reveal a shift from the cultivation of indigenous crop varieties to a mix of indigenous and early maturing crop varieties for the purpose of adapting production to climate change. To support farmer efforts at adaptation through SIA, the study recommends the promotion of integration of crops and livestock production, diversification of cropping, and farmer training in compost making and application to improve soil and water management in agriculture.