Crop Production in Ghana in the Era of Global Climate Change: Challenges, Impacts, and Adaptation Strategies

Abstract

Aims: This review synthesizes current knowledge on the impacts of global climate change on crop production in Ghana, a nation characterized by its high dependence on rain-fed agriculture. It aims to elucidate the key challenges, analyze region-specific vulnerabilities, and evaluate existing adaptation strategies to inform policy and future research. Methodology: The study uses a review of empirical studies, government reports, and climate data was conducted. The analysis is structured around a conceptual framework that categorizes climate impacts into direct, indirect, and socio-economic effects, and examines regional variations across Ghana's Coastal, Forest, and Savannah zones. Results: The findings reveal that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increasing extreme weather events are significantly suppressing yields of staple crops like maize, rice, and cocoa. These impacts are not uniform; coastal areas face salinity intrusion, the forest zone contends with pest and disease shifts, and the northern savannah experiences intensified droughts. In response, Ghanaian smallholder farmers are actively employing adaptation strategies, including the use of agrochemicals, planting improved crop varieties, and altering food consumption behaviors. However, the effectiveness of these measures is often constrained by limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient access to climate information. Conclusion: Building a climate-resilient agricultural sector in Ghana requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes enhancing the adoption of tailored, climate-smart practices, strengthening government support systems, and addressing the underlying socio-economic vulnerabilities that limit adaptive capacity. Future efforts must be region-specific and farmer-centric to safeguard national food security.