Climate change/variability and food systems: evidence from the Afram Plains,Ghana |
| |
Authors: | Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe George Owusu |
| |
Institution: | (1) Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 96, Legon, Ghana;(2) Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 74, Legon, Ghana |
| |
Abstract: | While there are many studies of the impacts of climate change and variability on food production, few studies are devoted
to a comprehensive assessment of impacts on food systems. Results of a survey of food systems and household adaptation strategies
in three communities in the Afram Plains, Ghana, reveal how extreme climatic events affect rural food production, transportation,
processing and storage. Adaptation strategies implemented by the three communities during past droughts serve as a foundation
for planning responses to future climate change. Results of this study suggest that food security in this region—where droughts
and floods are expected to become more severe due to climate change—could be enhanced by increasing farm-based storage facilities;
improving the transportation system, especially feeder roads that link food production areas and major markets; providing
farmers with early warning systems; extending credit to farmers; and the use of supplementary irrigation. This study also
indicates that some cultural practices, particularly those that prohibit the consumption of certain foods, may reduce the
resilience of some individuals and ethnic groups to food system disruptions. Understanding the local context and the responses
of households is critical to the development of effective strategies for reducing the potential adverse impacts of climatic
change on food security in rural Ghana. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|