Assessing the Effects of Climate-Induced Crop Challenges and Adaptive Responses Among Older Farmers in Akuapem North Municipality

Climate change poses a major and increasing challenge to agricultural productivity in Ghana, with far-reaching impacts on crop farming. This research paper explores the effects and adaptation responses of older crop farmers in the Akuapem North Municipality, with emphasis on how they have managed to remain productive despite being affected by climatic disruptions. A key informant interviewing technique was employed to engage a purposively selected sample of forty-six older crop farmers, utilizing a phenomenological research design to provide insights into the lived experiences and adaptive responses of the farmers. The results show that older farmers in the municipality are at a high-risk level of stressors associated with the climate, such as low yields of crops, low quality of harvests, and interference with the traditional farming calendar. In response, they have embraced coping strategies, including crop diversification, adjustment of planting calendar, improvement in crop varieties, and adoption of off-farm jobs to sustain livelihoods. However, their adaptability is still limited by the scarcity of financial and technical support, as well as limited knowledge on the practices of agricultural systems that are resistant to climate change. The paper suggests the use of specific interventions to provide financial, technical and training supports to improve the resilience and adaptive capacity of older farmers.