Ghana’s Upper East and Upper West regions have long been the heart of the country’s agricultural production, where farming has sustained generations. However, climate change is now wreaking havoc on this way of life, with unpredictable rainfall patterns, extreme temperatures, and prolonged droughts threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. The impact is not just an environmental issue it’s a pressing economic and social crisis reverberating through the communities.
Farmers are feeling the effects of changing weather patterns in the dusty village of Tilli in the Upper East region. “Our ancestors knew exactly when to plant when to harvest,” says 52-year-old farmer Issah Mubarak. “But now, the rains come late, or sometimes, not at all. I’ve seen my crops fail for three consecutive seasons. We just don’t know what to expect anymore.”
Issah and many other farmers in the area rely on maize and millet as their primary crops, but the erratic rainfall has made it nearly impossible to predict when to plant, leading to crop failures and financial losses.
“I planted maize two months ago, hoping for rain, but nothing came,” shares Issah, frustration clear in his voice. “It’s disheartening. My family depends on this.”
Farmers like Issah are not alone. In the Upper West region, local agricultural extension officers have reported an increase in crop diseases linked to rising temperatures and reduced rainfall. Crops like maize, sorghum, and cassava, which are staples in the region, are now vulnerable to pests that thrive in hotter conditions.
The ripple effect of crop failure is far-reaching. Local markets, once bustling with fresh produce, now see fewer goods for sale. “Farmers aren’t bringing in enough to sell, and the prices of food are rising,” says Janet Asare, a market vendor in Wa, the regional capital of Upper West. “We used to have an abundance of crops, but now people are struggling to buy food. It’s hurting everyone.”
As climate change disrupts agricultural cycles, food security has become an increasing concern, leading to higher costs for consumers. The effects are also felt by commuters. Kofi Agyemang, a bus driver traveling between the Upper West and Upper East regions, sees the changes firsthand. “I’ve been driving this route for 10 years, and I’ve noticed the difference in the landscape. The farms used to be green with crops, but now many fields are dry. It’s sad to see.”
Despite the challenges, farmers are not giving up. In response to the changing climate, many are adopting new farming techniques and diversifying their crops. “We are trying to grow drought-resistant crops like cowpea and groundnut, which require less water,” explains Kwame Boakye, a farmer from the Upper East region.
Some farmers have also turned to irrigation systems, though access to such resources is limited and expensive. Others are experimenting with agroforestry, planting trees alongside their crops to combat soil erosion and increase soil moisture retention.
Local NGOs are also stepping in, providing training in climate adaptation techniques, such as water conservation, improved seeds, and better pest control methods. “We are working with farmers to educate them about the impact of climate change and how to adapt,” says Ruth Obeng, a project coordinator with the Green Earth Organization. “The goal is to help them become more resilient to climate stress.”
While some farmers are finding ways to adapt, the larger issue of climate change remains. The government’s response, including the implementation of climate-resilient agriculture policies, has been slow, leaving many farmers to fend for themselves.
“Without government support, how can we survive?” Issah Mubarak asks. “We need policies that can help us cope with this new reality of access to irrigation, drought-resistant seeds, and better access to markets. If we don’t get help, we will be forced to leave the land we’ve farmed for generations.”
As the country faces the harsh realities of climate change, the need for urgent action is clear. Communities in the Upper Regions are calling for a comprehensive approach to combat the effects of climate change, with greater investment in climate-smart agriculture, infrastructure, and support for local farmers.
For now, farmers like Issah continue to face an uncertain future, their hopes pinned on a more predictable rainy season and the promise of adaptation strategies that may one day help them overcome the challenges posed by climate change. Until then, their resilience is their greatest asset as they fight to preserve the land that sustains them.
As the impact of climate change intensifies in Ghana’s Upper Regions, the struggle of farmers is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address this global crisis. Farmers are doing their best to adapt, but their survival depends on both local and national efforts to create sustainable solutions. The road ahead will not be easy, but with collaboration and innovation, there is hope that communities can weather the storm of climate change.
By: By Stella Botchwey
