Smallholder Cocoa Farmers' Perceptions of Climate and Variability in Ghana

Abstract

Climate change and variability worldwide affect human lives, farmers' earnings, and food security. Climate action has been identified by the United Nations as Sustainable Development Goal 13 (UN, n.d.). Climate change damages cocoa (Theobroma cacao) production and impacts the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ghana. Changes in rainfall and temperature directly influence yields. These changes can reduce production, harm the trees, and increase pest and disease outbreaks. This study aims to understand farmers’ perceptions of climate change with respect to rainfall and temperature during the dry and wet seasons. The goal is to analyze these perceptions and see how they relate to demographic and institutional variables. Sampling followed protocols for systematic random sampling. Multiple regression and descriptive analyses were conducted. Most farmers noticed changes in rainfall and temperature related to the wet and dry seasons. Their perceptions aligned with weather data. Farming experience and education were significantly linked to their perceptions. Farmers also strongly agreed on their willingness to learn about climate change and expressed a readiness to take risks to reduce negative outcomes. Understanding farmers’ perceptions and the demographic and personal factors that influence them is crucial for designing effective, locally tailored strategies and policies, especially for rural cocoa farmers.