Abstract:
The study adopted a pragmatist approach to assess farmers‟ vulnerability and
adaptation to drought in three agro-ecological-locations in Ghana. It analysed
the variations in precipitation deficits by using precipitation values for 1983-
2014 period. It also assessed the variation in drought vulnerability, farmers‟
adaptation and barriers to drought adaptation. The cross-sectional survey
design was utilised. A random sample of 326 farmers and six purposively
selected lead farmers participated in the study. Questionnaire and interview
schedules were used to collect data. The data were analysed by using SPI,
descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that Wa West District
has the highest drought vulnerability index followed by Nkoranza North and
Wassa East Districts. The study also found a significant variation between
locations and drought vulnerability and adaptation. The most common drought
adaptation measures comprise application of agro-chemicals, changing
planting date, cultivating different crop, integrating crop and livestock
production, changing the location of crops, diversifying from farm to non-farm
income generating activities, cultivation of early maturing crops and drought
monitoring. Shortage of water for irrigation, unavailability of financial
resources, high cost of agricultural inputs, inadequate knowledge and
insufficient access to extension services served as barriers that constrained
farmers‟ drought adaptation. Therefore, it was recommended, among other
things, that philanthropic organisations should assist the government to
construct small-scale irrigation facilities and provide drought-resistant crops to
farming communities in Ghana.
