Asare-Nuamah Peter, Botchway Ebo
Pan African University, P.O. Box 18. Soa, Cameroon.
University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana.
Heliyon. 2019 Dec 19;5(12):e03065. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e03065. eCollection 2019 Dec.
This study adopted mixed methods design and employed questionnaire and interview to investigate climate trends and smallholder farmers' perception of climate change as well as the relationship between climate data and farmers' perception, and the determinants of perception in Adansi North District of Ghana. The study randomly and purposively selected 378 respondents and 41 key informants, respectively. Descriptive, inferential, trend and thematic analysis were employed. Results showed that the majority of smallholder farmers have observed increase in intensity (96.8%) and duration (94.7%) of temperature, and delay onset (82.8%) and early cessation (89.2%) of rainfall as well as increase in wind intensity (79.4%). Climate data also revealed rising trends of rainfall, wind speed and temperature. Nevertheless, there was no significant relationship between farmers' perception and climate data. Information from family and friends and government, particularly local institutions and extension service significantly influence farmers' perception. In addition, television and radio were significant predictors of farmers' perception. The study recommends intensification of climate education, mass awareness and capacity development programmes.
本研究采用混合方法设计，通过问卷调查和访谈来调查加纳阿丹西北区的气候趋势、小农户对气候变化的认知、气候数据与农户认知之间的关系以及认知的决定因素。该研究分别随机且有目的地选取了378名受访者和41名关键信息提供者。采用了描述性、推断性、趋势和主题分析方法。结果表明，大多数小农户观察到温度强度（96.8%）和持续时间（94.7%）增加，降雨开始延迟（82.8%）和提前结束（89.2%）以及风强度增加（79.4%）。气候数据也显示出降雨、风速和温度呈上升趋势。然而，农户认知与气候数据之间没有显著关系。来自家人、朋友和政府，特别是地方机构和推广服务的信息显著影响农户的认知。此外，电视和广播是农户认知的重要预测因素。该研究建议加强气候教育、大众意识和能力发展项目。
