Peasant Associations and Implementation of Climate Change Adaptation Practices in the Northern and Brong-Ahafo Regions of Ghana

Abstract

Peasant association plays a central role in climate change adaptation. Farmer-based associations serve as a conduit for the implementation of climate change adaptation practices by contributing to knowledge sharing and assimilation. In Ghana, the role of peasant associations in climate change adaptation is unnoticed. Employing a mixed research approaches the procurement of data, this study gives a deeper understanding of peasant associations and their activities of two regions in the country. It also examines the contributions of peasant associations to climate change adaptation. It was established that peasant associations promoted understanding and implementation of climate change adaptation strategies including preparation and application of compost, residue management, row/distance planting, use of drought tolerant seeds, afforestation and crop rotation which benefited farmers in getting more yield and by extension being able to reinvest in their farms and venture into other livelihood strategies. The study concluded that Non- Governmental Organizations interested in climate change adaptation should target and build the capacity of farmer peasant groups for appropriate climate change adaptation and achievement of poverty alleviation and long-term food security.