Analysing the Nexus between Climate Variability and Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Production in the Offinso North District, Ghana

Abstract

Climate variability which is characterized by rising temperature and rainfall variability is significantly impacting crop yield and livelihoods of farmers. The study analyzed the nexus between climate variability and tomato production in the Offinso North District of Ghana using the hierarchical regression model. Structured questionnaires and focus group discussion guide were instruments for data collection covering 378 tomato farmers randomly selected from three communities in the study area. Frequency counts and percentages were used to describe the perception of farmers about the causes of climate variability. A regression model was used to analyse the effects of climatic variables (temperature and rainfall) on tomato production while controlling other confounding variables. The findings showed that, farmers perceive climate variability to be caused by anthropogenic factors (such as vehicular emissions [66.2%], deforestation [98.4%], slash and burn [70.4%], bush burning [85.2%] and spiritual forces (retributions by the gods, ancestors, and the Almighty God [76.2%]). At 5% level, the regression model indicated a significant negative relationship between temperature and tomato production (P = .05) as well as rainfall and tomato production (P = .05). In sustaining the knowledge of farmers, it is imperative to provide them with the requisite education on the adverse effects of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere and the need to reduce it through appropriate mitigating measures.