Rice knowledge system towards adaptation to climate change in the northern region of Ghana

Abstract

Despite the crucial role of knowledge systems in effective technology development and transfer, rice knowledge system for climate change adaptation in Ghana’s Northern Region tend to be vague. The study sought to analyze rice knowledge system towards adaptation to climate change in Ghana’s Northern Region. Explanatory sequential mixed method design was used to collect data on rice adaptation technologies to climate change from 335 farmers, 38 agricultural extension agents (AEAs) and 33 researchers. Structured interview schedules, questionnaires and interview guides were used as data collection instruments. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, frequencies and percentages), inferential statistics (Correlations, Kruskal-Wallis H tests, Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA and Ordinary Least Squares stepwise multiple regression) and thematic analysis. The study discovered a mismatch between farmers, AEAs and researchers interactions in knowledge generation, modification, transfer and use of climate change adaptation technologies. Recommended rice varieties and weedicides were not effective in adapting to floods and wild rice respectively. Climate change effect on rice production perceived by AEAs was higher than that of farmers and researchers. In conclusion, there is great disparity in the knowledge system for adaptation of rice production technologies to climate change in the Region. It is recommended that AEAs and researchers conduct informal grass-root planning sessions and field visits to interact with farmers and assess the effectiveness of adaptable technologies. Furthermore, plant breeders at Savannah Agricultural Research Institute and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research should develop rice varieties that are resistant to floods and the pest wild rice.