Abstract

Due to the socio-cultural distinctiveness of indigenous communities from mainstream societies, decisions, policies and actions other than their own on climate adaptation may prove insufficient, inappropriate and ill-adapted even if well-intended. A lucid understanding of indigenous adaptation practices, sources and potencies for climate change and its antecedents allow small holder farmers to manipulate current knowledge to adequately optimize general efforts and improve climate adaptation interventions. The study utilized a sampled size of 218 (N=218) smallholder farmers in randomly selected communities in the Sekyere South district. The mixed method approach to data analysis were utilized in the analysis of data from the study respondents.

The study revealed that the sources of knowledge about changes in the environment were centered on observed changes in weather phenomena, physical changes on trees (flowering, shedding of leaves, etc.) and behaviors of certain animal species (birds, amphibians, insects, and arthropods) The study again revealed specific indigenous adaptation strategies applied by smallholder farmers in coping with climate change including ending farming or building in waterways or lowlands areas, planting resistant crop or early yielding varieties, planting more trees of cover crops, irrigation practices among others.

The findings underscore the need for farmers' education, awareness creation, poverty alleviation and increased access to more efficient inputs as powerful tools for climate change adaptation in Sekyere South District.

Keywords: Climate change; Indigenous adaptation practices; Smallholder farmers; Sekyere South District