Effects of socio-cultural norms on smallholder adaptation to climate change in Nkoranza South municipality, Ghana. Issue 2 (17th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sowah, Alexander Nii Adjei; Owusu, Kwadwo; Yankson, Paul William Kojo; Quansah, Edna
• Is Part Of: Development in practice. Volume 31:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 161
• Page End: 173
• Publication Date: 2021-02-17
• Subjects: Environment (built and natural) – Climate change, Agriculture -- Gender and diversity -- Sub-Saharan Africa; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.91091724
• DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2020.1829550
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-4524

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Socio-cultural norms can potentially enhance the adaptive capacities of some groups while constraining the capacities of others. Using household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews in four communities in the Nkoranza South municipality, Ghana, this article examines how socio-cultural norms influence the climate change adaptation of smallholder farmers. While socio-cultural norms fostered indigenes' access to farmlands and other communal resources resulting in on-farm diversification, migrants/settlers could not take advantage of climate-resistant cash crops such as cashew due to their limited access to and control of land. Additionally, cultural expectations and roles enhanced women's non-farm adaptive options compared to men.