Effects of socio-cultural norms on smallholder adaptation to climate change in Nkoranza South municipality, Ghana

ABSTRACT

Socio-cultural norms can potentially enhance the adaptive capacities of some groups while constraining the capacities of others. Using household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews in four communities in the Nkoranza South municipality, Ghana, this article examines how socio-cultural norms influence the climate change adaptation of smallholder farmers. While socio-cultural norms fostered indigenes’ access to farmlands and other communal resources resulting in on-farm diversification, migrants/settlers could not take advantage of climate-resistant cash crops such as cashew due to their limited access to and control of land. Additionally, cultural expectations and roles enhanced women’s non-farm adaptive options compared to men.

KEYWORDS:

• Environment (built and natural) – Climate change, Agriculture
• Gender and diversity
• Sub-Saharan Africa

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID), University of Ghana [grant number UG-ORID/BSU/II/EXP/2/2016-2017/007].

Notes on contributors

Alexander Nii Adjei Sowah

Alexander Nii Adjei Sowah is a PhD candidate at the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana, Legon.

Kwadwo Owusu

Kwadwo Owusu is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon.

Paul William Kojo Yankson

Paul William Kojo Yankson is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon.

Edna Quansah

Edna Quansah is member of the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon.