Perceptions and vulnerability of farming households to climate change in three agro-ecological zones of Ghana

Abstract

Climate-stressed agro-ecological zones pose significant challenges to vulnerable farming households. This study analyzes the differences in the perceptions of the farming households to climate change and assesses their vulnerability at the agro-ecological zone level, using data from farming households in three agro-ecological zones of Ghana. The empirical results suggest that the farming households in the Guinea Savannah zone tends to be more vulnerable, whilst those in the Forest-Savannah Transition are least vulnerable at the agro-ecological zone level. Even though the farming households in the Moist Semi-Deciduous Forest are relatively vulnerable in adaptive capacity, those in the Guinea Savannah zone tend to have higher distributions of vulnerabilities in terms of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Further evidence indicates that the agro-ecological zones tend to contribute significantly to the vulnerability status of the households. Policymakers and relevant stakeholders should design and implement tailor-made policies that target vulnerable farming households in specific agro-ecological zones.