Farmers‟ Vulnerability and Adaptation to Drought in Three Agro-ecological Locations in Ghana

Abstract

The study adopted a pragmatist approach to assess farmers‟ vulnerability and adaptation to drought in three agro-ecological-locations in Ghana. It analysed the variations in precipitation deficits by using precipitation values for 1983- 2014 period. It also assessed the variation in drought vulnerability, farmers‟ adaptation and barriers to drought adaptation. The cross-sectional survey design was utilised. A random sample of 326 farmers and six purposively selected lead farmers participated in the study. Questionnaire and interview schedules were used to collect data. The data were analysed by using SPI, descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that Wa West District has the highest drought vulnerability index followed by Nkoranza North and Wassa East Districts. The study also found a significant variation between locations and drought vulnerability and adaptation. The most common drought adaptation measures comprise application of agro-chemicals, changing planting date, cultivating different crop, integrating crop and livestock production, changing the location of crops, diversifying from farm to non-farm income generating activities, cultivation of early maturing crops and drought monitoring. Shortage of water for irrigation, unavailability of financial resources, high cost of agricultural inputs, inadequate knowledge and insufficient access to extension services served as barriers that constrained farmers‟ drought adaptation. Therefore, it was recommended, among other things, that philanthropic organisations should assist the government to construct small-scale irrigation facilities and provide drought-resistant crops to farming communities in Ghana.