Adaptation to Climate Extremes in the Afram Plains of Ghana: A Gender and Occupational Perspectives

Samuel N. A. Codjoe, University of Ghana
Lucy K. A. Adzoyi-Atidoh, Lincoln University

Although sub-Saharan Africa does not contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, significant adverse impacts of climate change are anticipated. Countries heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture, are projected to experience more frequent and intense droughts, altered rainfall patterns and increases in temperature. Changes in hydrology and temperature are likely to affect crop yields, placing pressure on scarce resources in a region that is characterised by limited social, political, technical and financial resources. The success with which communities cope with impacts of climate change is influenced by existing conditions, forces and characteristics peculiar to each of these communities. This paper assesses the preferred adaptation strategies during floods and droughts of males and females in three different occupations (farming, fishing, and charcoal production) in the Afram Plains of Ghana. Results show that while certain adaptation strategies are perceived to have synergistic effects (reinforce each other) others could have negative impacts (undesirable side effects).