The impact of climate change is becoming more severe across Ghana, especially in the farming communities that rely on predictable weather patterns for survival. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged droughts are gradually turning once fertile lands into unpredictable and risky ventures. As farming cycles get disrupted, many families find themselves trapped in a worsening spiral of poverty, hunger, and forced migration.
Climate change, which refers to the long-term warming of the planet caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, is having damaging consequences on Ghana’s environment, health, and economy. Nowhere is this impact more visible than in the agricultural sector, where smallholder farmers make up the majority of the workforce.
In recent years, Ghanaian farmers have seen an increase in extreme weather events—scorching heat waves, severe floods, and prolonged droughts. These changes are reducing crop yields, damaging farmlands, and threatening food security. The unpredictability of rainfall is especially concerning, as many farmers depend on rain-fed agriculture.
Biodiversity loss and destruction of natural habitats further compound the challenges faced by local farmers. As ecosystems suffer, many communities that once thrived on farming are now struggling to make ends meet.
The story of Aisha, a 17-year-old girl from Kundugu, shared by Madam Afuah Serwah Akoto Prempeh at the second Biennial Media Forum on Natural Resources, Environment, Climate Change and Science (BiM-NECS 2) in Kumasi, reflects the harsh realities of these climate challenges. Aisha’s parents, peasant farmers, are barely able to support their family due to declining agricultural productivity. As a result, Aisha and many like her are forced to drop out of school because their parents cannot afford fees and basic learning materials.
The socioeconomic impacts do not stop there. Families are increasingly migrating from rural areas to urban centers in search of better opportunities. However, life in the cities is often not much better. Many migrants face unemployment, overcrowding, and poor living conditions, with limited access to affordable housing or social services.
The ripple effect of climate change is deeply felt across Ghanaian communities. As farming becomes less reliable, households lose their primary source of income. Traditional ways of life are disappearing, and the psychological burden of uncertainty is growing. Madam Prempeh highlighted that without urgent intervention, climate change could push an additional one million Ghanaians into poverty. Research shows household incomes could fall by up to 40% by 2050. The country would require around $2 billion annually to implement effective climate change adaptation strategies.
Despite these daunting challenges, the BiM-NECS forum offered a glimmer of hope. It brought together journalists and stakeholders to discuss how the media can support environmental governance and help shape public discourse on natural resources, climate change, and science. The goal was to provide a platform to amplify the voices of the most affected and generate solutions for a sustainable future.
One of the participants, Mr. Adusei Poku, a cocoa farmer, emphasized the need for climate-smart agriculture and effective water management systems. He called for government and private sector support to provide training, tools, and financial assistance to farmers. According to him, adopting climate-resilient practices will reduce the vulnerability of Ghana’s agriculture and protect the livelihoods of farmers.
Looking ahead, the way forward is clear. Ghana must invest in realistic mitigation and adaptation strategies. This includes reducing emissions, promoting renewable energy, and building climate-resilient communities. Practical solutions like agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and improved irrigation systems should be scaled up. With better water management, farmers can increase productivity, reduce poverty, and improve food security.
Government, civil society, the private sector, and the media must work together to fight climate change and secure the future of agriculture in Ghana. By taking action now, Ghana can build a more sustainable and resilient food system—not only for today but for generations to come.
