KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF FARMERS ON SOIL, CLIMATE AND WEATHER IN TWO DISTRICTS OF NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

The growth of vegetation is influenced by soil moisture. The principal supply of water for plants between periods of rainfall is water stored in the soil, which has an impact on crop output. From planting to harvesting, weed control and on-farm water management decisions are influenced by soil moisture levels. This necessitates a research into farmers' perceptions and knowledge of soil moisture, as well as their use of associated climate and weather data in their agricultural activities and decision-making. This study was conducted in 2021 at two communities in Savelugu Municipality and one community in Kumbungu District of Northern Region of Ghana. The data were collected through personal observations, reconnaissance field visits, key informant and focus group discussions and semi-structured individual interviews administered to a total of 48 smallholder rice farmers. The research questions were related to soil moisture knowledge and perceptions of farmers in the selected communities. Investigations revealed that the farmers used adaptation measures to reduce perceived effects of climate change (CC), particularly flood and drought. Two flood and four drought adaptation measures were identified during the study. Farmers possessed an intimate knowledge about the soil and its management. They placed lots of emphasis on getting the information about rainfall, temperature and soil moisture. Moreover, various techniques such as cutlass & hand feel method, footprint, plant uproot, color & smell is used by farmers to measure the soil moisture. Indicators are also used by farmers to determine moisture status before sowing. Farmers classified the soils in terms of texture (i.e. Bihigu, Chichali, Gbingbili and Yagiri), organic matter content (i.e. dark, brown and red soil) and also based on suitability for particular crops (i.e. Kukogu, Baa and Bakukogu). Further studies should be done to investigate and map the soils in each community and determine their suitability for particular crops cultivation.