CLIMATE VARIABLITY: IMPLICATIONS FOR FOOD CROP PRODUCTION IN LAWRA DISTRICT, UPPER WEST REGION, GHANA (2005-2015)

Abstract

Food crop Production in the Lawra District of Ghana is gradually changing and becoming increasingly vulnerable due to climate variability and farmers' heavy reliance on rainfall. This study assessed the implications of climate variability for food crop production in Lawra District. This study employed the concurrent triangulation mixed methods designs which are quantitative and qualitative methods. Primary data was gathered through field survey from 185 respondents from six communities in the District. Simple random, accidental and purposive sampling techniques were used in selecting respondents for the study. Result from the study revealed that farmers have knowledge on the presence of climate variability but not the cause of it. They rely on rain-fed system to cultivate crops such as groundnuts, maize, millet and yam. The results revealed that rainfall, temperature and farm size are significant determinants of crop output. Decreasing rainfall as well as farm size and increasing temperatures lead to declining crop (groundnut and maize) yields. Rainfall, temperature and farm size jointly explain greater variations in groundnut output and maize output. Farmers have adopted a number of strategies to enhance crop production. The study concluded that climate variables and farm size affects crop production. Also, adaptation is not effective among the Non GEMP communities due to inadequate access to services. The study therefore, recommends intensification of education campaigns, provision of improved crop varieties, access to extension service, and access to credits by stakeholders in the District, if the vulnerability of climate variability is to be reduced.