Vulnerability of crop production to heavy precipitation in north-eastern Ghana
International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management
ISSN: 1756-8692
Article publication date: 24 February 2012
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze vulnerability of food crop production to heavy precipitation in north-eastern Ghana, specifically, the upper east region (UER) and the policy implications for adaptation. Heavy precipitation events are a common part of climatic variability; but little attention is given to its impact on livelihoods as compared to droughts in research and policy domains.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper draws on both quantitative and qualitative research methods and data. Rainfall data are analyzed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). This is compared with quantitative analysis of crop yields and complemented by narratives of farmers from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
Findings
The results show that heavy precipitation events often lead to low food crop productivity and this suggests that the latter is vulnerable to the former.
Originality/value
Although some adaptation is occurring through a wide range of local measures, these are inadequate for eliminating vulnerability. Thus, additional policy measures are recommended for enhancing farmer adaptation, including: incorporating climate change adaptation policies, including adaptation to heavy precipitation into District Development Planning; building human resource capacity for effective implementation of climate change adaptation policies at district levels; improving market access to seed through improved market infrastructure and rural transportation; establishing Community Seed Banks (CSBs) as back up sources of seed; promoting “nursing and transplant” as an alternative planting method for millet and guinea corn; promoting low costs solar drying technologies for drying food crops; and supporting livelihood diversification through credit and business development services.
Keywords
Citation
Kanchebe Derbile, E. and Abudu Kasei, R. (2012), "Vulnerability of crop production to heavy precipitation in north-eastern Ghana", International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 36-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/17568691211200209
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited