Abstract/Summary

This study examines smallholder farmers’ cropping decisions in North-west Ghana under climate variability and change (CVC). It aims to understand the matches and mismatches between farmers’ perceptions and climatic data, characterise farmers’ crop choice by identifying diferences between current and past practices, and understand why smallholder farmers respond or not to CVC via crop selection. The study uses a parallel mixed methods approach, with 150 households interviewed, and employs theories of Drought Perception, Planned Behaviour, and Social Identity. Results show that farmers’ perceptions of CVC mismatch climatic data. Farmers’ attitudes largely shape their decisions to respond to CVC via crop choice. Negative attitudes, such as perceived poor yield and difculty in cultivation, have led to the displacement of traditional varieties, while positive attitudes, such as perceived yield benefts, have led to cultivation of improved varieties of crops. The study highlights the need to support smallholder farmers in adapting to CVC and ensuring the availability and utilisation of culturally appropriate foods. Future research should explore the impact of climate change adaptation on the availability and utilisation of culturally appropriate foods.