Maize and Cashew Farming in the Face of Climate Change Variability in the Transitional Zone of Ghana: A Case Study of Nkoranza South Municipality

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to find out reasons behind the widespread conversion of maize farmlands to the production of cashew by most of the farmers in the transition zone of Ghana. The nature of the study necessitated the use of both primary and secondary data to achieve the objectives. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used for the study. Twelve key informants were interviewed. Three hundred and twenty questionnaires were administered. Meteorological (rainfall and temperature) data were critically analysed. Most of the farmers had the intention to shift their resources (farmlands) to cultivate cashew as according to them, the trees were resistant to irregular rainfall unlike maize. The major threat pushing maize farmers from business was the changing climate, a situation worsened by the interaction of ‘multiple stressors’, occurring at various stages and low adaptive capacity.