Spatial Distribution, Urban Agricultural Practices and Farmers’ Adaptation to Climate Change and Variability Stressors in Wa Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Urban agriculture is gaining popularity in the ever-expanding cities in sub-Saharan Africa. Many studies have explored the dynamics of urban agricultural practices in the sub-region. However, the subject matter of climate change's impact on urban agricultural practices and urban farmers’ adaptation strategies is under research. This study draws on a mixed methods research approach to assess urban agricultural practices and farmers’ adaptation to climate change and variability stressors in Wa Municipality, Ghana. The study is guided by four (4) specific objectives: (1) to identify the characteristics of urban food crop and livestock production; (2) to analyse the spatial distribution of urban food crop and livestock production and how it influences farmers climate change adaptation; (3) to determine the socio-economic factors that influence urban dwellers’ participation in urban agriculture; and (4) to explore the climate change adaptation strategies of urban farmers. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted to collect data from 362 urban households, supported by spatial data, 12 key informant interviews, and observations. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, map overlays, and spatial statistics, while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic and content analysis. Results showed that urban agriculture in urban Wa is characterised by the production of staple food crops (e.g., maize, cabbage, okra, beans, yam, pumpkin, etc.) coupled with animal production (e.g., chickens, sheep, goats, cattle, etc.). The spatial distribution of urban agricultural activities in Wa showed a clustered pattern within the inner core and the transition zones. About 52.8% of the sample households engaged in urban agricultural activities. The binary logistics regression model showed that socio-economic variables such as household size and income positively influence urban households' participation in urban agricultural production. Cultivation of indigenous and improved crop varieties, together with the rearing of exotic and local breeds of animals, were the climate change adaptation strategies highlighted. In addition, various soil management and water conservation strategies, as well as regular vaccination of the farm animals, were employed by the farmers’ in adapting to climate change and variability stressors. The study concluded that the choice of animals' housing types on urban farms can significantly impact urban farmers' climate change adaptation strategies, influencing factors such as resource efficiency, animal welfare, and adaptation to extreme weather events. Moreover, the clustered distribution of urban farms can facilitate collaborative adaptation strategies among urban farmers, allowing for shared resources, knowledge exchange, and collective action to address climate change impacts effectively. Again, urban household size and monthly income are influential factors in urban households' participation in urban farming production. Lastly, urban crop and livestock farmers, in the face of climate change, have demonstrated adaptive and ingenuity by implementing various adaptation strategies to safeguard their livelihoods and production through a combination of innovative practices. There is a diversity of adaptation strategies employed by urban farmers, including the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties, soil moisture, and nutrient management techniques, and diversified livestock rearing alongside treatment against extreme weather. Promoting urban agricultural production despite climate stressors calls for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among neighbouring farms while implementing resilient and adaptable infrastructure to mitigate climate change risks and enhance sustainability in urban agriculture in Africa, particularly Ghana. Therefore, developmental policies should focus on the integration of urban agriculture and land use planning and zoning by the Town and Country Planning Departments. Policymakers, urban planners, and community stakeholders should harness the potential of urban agriculture by rolling out pro-poor urban development policies. There is also the need to integrate capacity-building initiatives, training programmes, and extension services into urban agricultural policies, which are critical to enhancing farmers' knowledge and skills in climate change adaptation. Future research should explore ways of improving the value chain of urban agricultural production in Ghanaian cities, the perspectives of stakeholders in urban agricultural production, and the quality of crops and animals produced within the urban neighbourhood.