Using a mixed-method approach to explore the spatiality of adaptation practices of tomato farmers to climate variability in the Offinso North District, Ghana

Abstract

There is a general scientific consensus that anthropogenic forces are the major cause of global climatic changes. The study explored the spatiality of adaptation strategies of farmers to climate variability in the Offinso North District of Ghana using the mixed method approach. Structured questionnaire and focus group discussion guide were the data collection instruments for a cross-section of 378 tomato farmers in selected study communities in the District. Farmers demonstrated their awareness of climatic changes through some characteristics such temperature rise, unpredictable and reduction in rainfall, incidence of floods, intensity in solar radiation and prolong drought conditions. The study also showed that tomato farmers in the study communities employed both on-farm and off-farm adaptive strategies in response to the effects of climate variability on tomato production. Spatially, mixed cropping, crop diversification, application of agrochemicals, changes in farm location, changes in crop variety, irrigation, migration and diversification to non-farm activities were the adaptation practices of the farmers. Spatially, the on-farm adaptation strategies were uniformly practiced across the study communities unlike the off-farm adaptation practices that slightly varied across space. The regression results showed that location has significant influence on some adaptation practices, especially changes in farm location (p < .005), changes in crop variety (p < .005), application of agrochemicals (p < .005) and irrigation practices (p ≤ .005). An enabling environment should be created by the government to enable the youth get access to finance and other subsidized farming logistics (e.g. modern irrigation logistics) to boost their morale in the tomato business.

Keywords:

• spatial
• climate variability
• tomato
• Offinso North District
• Ghana

Public Interest Statement

Tomato is one of the vegetables which support the body with vitamins A, B and C. Tomato is produced in most parts of Ghana, especially the Offinso North District. However, due to the changes in temperature and rainfall pattern, there has been a significant reduction of tomato production in the district and Ghana at large culminating in the importation of tomato from neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso. Our research explored the spatial variations of adaptation strategies that are employed by smallholder tomato farmers in the Offinso North District, Ghana. Focus group discussion and questionnaires were used as instruments for the data collection. A mixed method approach was used to provide the depth and breadth of the issues under investigation. Building the capacity of farmers in response to the changing climate is an important tool in improving food security in Ghana and other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Additional information

Funding

Funding. The authors received no direct funding for this research.

Notes on contributors

Lawrence Guodaar

My areas of interest are climatology and biogeography with specific emphasis on human-environment interactions. I am particularly interested in employing a mixed methodological approach of research (quantitative and qualitative) in understanding the linkages between climate change and food security in a sustained manner in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa. Coming from a geography background, I try to unpack the spatiality of environmental phenomena and how they influence human actions in Ghana, especially rural communities. I am also interested in employing quantitative models with sound theoretical base that seeks to inform policy on how relevant actors of development respond to environmental stimuli.