Characterization of Urban Agriculture and Farmers’ Climate Change Adaptation: The Case of Urban Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Urban agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa has the potential to significantly improve urban food security and feed the underprivileged when promoted. In Ghana, urban agriculture has several characteristics that distinguish it from traditional farming practices. However, climate change poses a significant threat to urban agriculture, as changing weather patterns can lead to droughts, floods, and extreme weather events that damage crops and animals. This study explored the characteristics of urban food crops and livestock production in the Wa township, Ghana. Mixed methods of data collection and analysis were employed and 362 urban households supplemented with 12 key informants were interviewed. Descriptive and content analysis were done with the results presented in tables, graphs, and narratives. The study found that in the era of climatic stressors, urban agriculture is characterized by the production of animals such as chicken, sheep, and goats and crops like maize, yam, beans, cabbage, and pumpkin. Land is acquired through purchasing though others obtain land from relatives and friends. There are strong relationships between the type of urban farming, land acquisition, and residential class. Land acquisition and type of urban agriculture are associated with residential classes. It is concluded that urban farming is characterized by mixed farming coupled with crop diversification with implications on climate change adaptation measures. To adapt urban agriculture to climatic stressors, the study recommends that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) should streamline agricultural policy interventions on urban agriculture to promote agriculture intensification.