FARMERS' AWARENESS AND APPLICATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IN THE BAWKU WEST DISTRICT

Abstract

In recent times, farmers in Ghana have been faced with the problems of crop failure, and/or low yield arising from climate change. This study aimed at assessing farmers' awareness of climate change and application of mitigation and adaptation strategies in the Bawku West District. The study gathered data through the administration of questionnaires, and key informant interviews. The target population for the study comprised all farmers in the District. However, the study population from which the sample respondents were selected was composed of farmers in the selected communities. The findings of the study discovered that farmers in the area are highly aware of the climate change phenomena and they submitted that climate change has affected their farming activities. The effects mentioned include reduced crop yield, shortage of water and pasture for animals due to low rainfall and frequent dry spells. Similarly, high temperature causes wilting of crops and diseases. They, however, associated their unsuccessful adaptation to lack of information with regards to adaption strategy, lack of appropriate technology such as farm implements, lack of credit, labour, cultural issues in terms of land ownership and cost of adaptation measure. Most significant problems as indicated by the farmers are cost and lack of appropriate technology. Cost of adaptation was indicated by major of about 89.7% of respondents interviewed as a hindrance to their ability to adapt to climate change mitigation strategies because generally farmers income are low.