Climate Variability and Its Effects on Rural Livelihoods in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

The effects of seasonal changes in weather patterns have been recognised as long-standing environmental issue and development concern. The study thus, sought to examine the nature, extent, and effects of seasonal changes in weather patterns on rural livelihoods on one hand and the response strategies on the other hand in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality of the Upper East Region of Ghana. In doing so, the study adopted the mixed method research approach.. Data for the study were derived from 240 rural small holder farmers through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Key informants from the Meteorological Station, Municipal Agricultural Directorate and NADMO were also purposively sampled. Data generated from the field were analysed using descriptive statistics and narratives. It was revealed that there are considerable variations in the weather patterns. Thus, rainfall amounts are generally decreasing with late on-sets, as well as considerable temperature variations. Seasonal variations and manifestations (such as floods, droughts, and windstorms) have been found to have substantial effects on livelihoods especially in the areas of cropping, livestock keeping, water sources and housing/dwellings. The study further found out that a wide range of strategies in the areas of both diversification of farm and non-farm activity have been adopted in response to these variations. The study therefore recommended effective collaborative work among major stake holders to create and increase awareness and support to effectively manage the effects of climate variability to lessen its burden in the study area.