The impact of Climate Change on Mango Production of small farmers in Ghana and their adaptation strategies

Evelyn Amedormeh, BSc

Master's thesis

Abstract:

In Ghana, a large portion of people who work in farming are small-scale farmers living in less developed areas, and they use basic farming methods. Climate change is a barrier for these farmers because it affects their income, the food security, and health status. This study investigates the impact of climate change on small scale mango farmers and their adaptation strategies in the Eastern region of Ghana. We collected data from a survey of 150 small-scale farmers. The Probit regression model was used to determine characteristics influencing use of adaptation strategies. From the findings obtained, we deduced that, more experienced farmers are more likely to practice soil management techniques compared to people with less than 5 years' experience. Similarly, farmers living in semi-urban areas are less likely to practice this soil management techniques compared to people in rural areas. However, people with higher income were less likely to use these practices compared to lower income earners. The sources of information about the climate change were all statistically insignificant (except personal observation). Farmers who personally observed climate change were less likely using soil management techniques compared to those who did not. The rest of variables was not statistically significant. In the case of construction of reservoirs and dams, experience played a major role since people with higher experience adapted these strategies to improve on their mango production compared to people with less than five years' experience. Results revealed that higher income earners were less likely to adapt compared to lower income earners. The sources of information about the climate change were all statistically insignificant. To help small-scale farmers adapt to climate changes and reduce the risks, the government, district governments, and non-profit organizations should work together to make climate information more available and provide mitigating strategies. Small-scale farmers should also get more education and information through programs that are not part of regular school, like workshops and farmer training.

Keywords

Small-scale farmers, Climate change, voluntarily sustainability standards, Mango farming

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 28. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 3. 6. 2024
• Supervisor: Ing. Tereza Pilařová, Ph.D.
• Reader: Samuel Ahado, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme:
International Development and Agricultural Economics