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<p>This study investigates the perceived costs and benefits of various climate change adaptation practices used by smallholder farmers for agricultural production in the Ahafo Ano South District, Ghana. The research addresses three key questions: (i) What are the different climate change adaptation practices used by smallholder farmers in selected communities (Afreseni, Bonkwaso, Dotiem, and Mpasaso) in the study district?; (ii) What are the perceived costs and benefits of the prioritized climate change adaptation practices used by the smallholder farmers?; and (iii) What are the barriers militating against smallholder farmers’ adoption of the prioritized climate change adaptation practices? The Relative Importance Index was used to rank the climate change adaptation practices used by smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were used to quantify the perceived costs and benefits of the prioritized climate change adaptation practices used by the smallholder farmers. The Weighted Average Index was also employed to rank the barriers militating against smallholder farmers’ adoption of prioritized climate change adaptation practices in the study district. The study reveals that crop diversification, changing planting dates, and cover cropping are the most commonly adopted adaptation practices across the communities. The results indicate that 46% of respondents reported initial implementation costs exceeding GHS 1000 (&gt; 64.40 USD), while 60% noted ongoing maintenance costs above this threshold. Despite these costs, 54% of respondents perceived that the benefits, including moderate reductions in crop losses, improved water use efficiency, and enhanced soil quality, outweigh the costs involved. Results also showed that financial constraints, limited access to technology, and lack of awareness were identified as the primary barriers to adoption. The findings underscore the need for targeted financial support, improved access to technology, and comprehensive awareness and training programs to enhance the adoption of climate change adaptation practices. Addressing these barriers can significantly improve the resilience and productivity of smallholder farmers in the Ahafo Ano South District.</p>

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Perceived costs and benefits of different climate change adaptation practices used by smallholder farmers for agricultural production in the Ahafo Ano South District, Ghana

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年2月7日

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  • Frank Baffour-Ata,
  • Sylvia Cecilia Mensah,
  • Roland Pupielu Kuutiero,
  • Ebenezer Okyere Adu,
  • Patricia Amo-Mesi,
  • Kingsford Aturu-Essel,
  • Jesse Laryea Quarshie,
  • Martin Fayorsey,
  • Eunice Asaah,
  • Gifty Essuah

摘要

This study investigates the perceived costs and benefits of various climate change adaptation practices used by smallholder farmers for agricultural production in the Ahafo Ano South District, Ghana. The research addresses three key questions: (i) What are the different climate change adaptation practices used by smallholder farmers in selected communities (Afreseni, Bonkwaso, Dotiem, and Mpasaso) in the study district?; (ii) What are the perceived costs and benefits of the prioritized climate change adaptation practices used by the smallholder farmers?; and (iii) What are the barriers militating against smallholder farmers’ adoption of the prioritized climate change adaptation practices? The Relative Importance Index was used to rank the climate change adaptation practices used by smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were used to quantify the perceived costs and benefits of the prioritized climate change adaptation practices used by the smallholder farmers. The Weighted Average Index was also employed to rank the barriers militating against smallholder farmers’ adoption of prioritized climate change adaptation practices in the study district. The study reveals that crop diversification, changing planting dates, and cover cropping are the most commonly adopted adaptation practices across the communities. The results indicate that 46% of respondents reported initial implementation costs exceeding GHS 1000 (> 64.40 USD), while 60% noted ongoing maintenance costs above this threshold. Despite these costs, 54% of respondents perceived that the benefits, including moderate reductions in crop losses, improved water use efficiency, and enhanced soil quality, outweigh the costs involved. Results also showed that financial constraints, limited access to technology, and lack of awareness were identified as the primary barriers to adoption. The findings underscore the need for targeted financial support, improved access to technology, and comprehensive awareness and training programs to enhance the adoption of climate change adaptation practices. Addressing these barriers can significantly improve the resilience and productivity of smallholder farmers in the Ahafo Ano South District.