Gender dimensions in the adaptations to climate variation by Cassva farmers in the Awutu Senya District

Abstract

It has been predicted that, the overall impacts of climate change or variation on agriculture will be negative. Hence the significance of adaptation measures for poverty reduction, especially among crop producers has been emphasised. It has however been noted that although climate variation affects everybody, it is not gender neutral. Data on the nature and extent of adaptation to climate variation by cassava farmers from a gender perspective in Ghana are lacking. Therefore, the present study sought to explore the gender dimensions involved in the adaptation to climate variation on cassava production by farmers in the Awutu Senya West District. Data used for the present study was obtained through both quantitative and qualitative methods with a sample size of 252 cassava farmers and key informants. Results showed clear gender dimensions with regards to climate variation adaptation strategies used by the farmers. Some of the challenges that constitute serious barriers to adaptations include, gender imbalance in formal education, poor access to weather information especially by female farmers, and the lack of interest for the use of improved cassava varieties by male farmers. It is therefore recommended that policy makers, and researchers adopt a gender sensitive approach in the sensitization of farmers on the how to appropriately identify issues relating to climate variability. They should also ensure that there is equity in the distribution of climate-smart resources and information among male and female cassava farmers and the need to use them