The Effects of Climate Change on Rural Female Farmers in the Wenchi Municipality

Book excerpt: The study examined the effects of climate change on rural female farmers in Wurompo. A farming community, in the Wenchi Municipality of Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. This farming community depends on rain fed agriculture activities for livelihood. In recent years, droughts, unpredictable rainfall pattern and crop failure have become common in the area. The study assessed the knowledge and awareness level of female farmers in the community about climate change. It also identified the effects of climate change on the livelihood of the women in the community as well as examined the adaptation strategies used by the farmers as a way of coping with the situation. Qualitative method was used to conduct the study. Focus group discussions and key informant interview were employed. Findings of the study indicated that climate change has negatively affected the livelihood of female farmers in the community leading to a decline in food crops production and water stress possibly because of observed temperature rise. Furthermore, the study indicates the main challenges to climate change adaptation, to include poverty, lack of adequate information on the adverse impact of climate change, basic infrastructure challenges and modern farming implements and practices. The study recommends that female farmers be educated on the negative impacts of climate change and training with the necessary adaptation strategies to build their resilience. The Ministry of food and Agriculture should formulate direct policies targeted at rural female farmers to adapt to climate change and device a modern agricultural techniques and practices to boast food production in the area.