FARM HOUSEHOLDS' FLOOD ADAPTATION PRACTICES, RESILIENCE AND FOOD SECURITY IN THE UPPER EAST REGION, GHANA

Abstract

This study employs the multinomial endogenous treatment effect model to examine the effect of flood adaptation strategies on farm households' food security in the Upper East region, Ghana. In addition, an ordered profit model was used to analyze the determinants of household's recovery from flood shocks. Farmers adopt on-farm and non-farm activities as adaptation strategies. Estimation results indicate that farmers that employ on-farm and non-farm strategies had their food security situation improved and recovered faster from flood shocks. Age, education, access to extension, credit, farm size and information on flood occurrence drive the farmer's decision to adopt on the farm practices. Marital status, education, farm size and information on flood occurrence significantly influenced adaptation decisions related to non-farm activities. Other factors that influence household's recovery period from flood events were age, education, FBO and perceived severity of flood. Programs and policies that promote extension contacts, increase awareness on flood occurrences and provide non-farm work opportunities can be beneficial to reduce the adverse effects of floods.