Policymakers and international organizations are making the conscious effort to address climate change through afforestation and sustainable ecosystem management. Economic activities including agriculture, mining, and infrastructure improvement to meet basic human needs continuously degrade the natural and forest resources. The rate of deforestation in Ghana is alarming due to over-reliance on forest resources by forest-dependent communities. Perceived causes of deforestation differ from individuals and groups perspective. This depends on factors including environmental knowledge, education level, market demand and socio-economic activities. Simple random sampling and key informant interview with the aid of semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the indigenes of Sissala West District to determine their perceptions of causes of deforestation. The study indicated that poverty, high illiteracy, population growth and lack of alternative source of livelihood were the indirect causes which trigger livelihood economic activities such as farming, charcoal burning, wood logging and hunting leading to degradation of the ecosystem. It was also realized that majority of the indigenes are uneducated and this contributes to their unawareness of rate of deforestation. Recommendations suggested to address challenges were enforcement of bye-laws and stringent government environmental policies to deter people from degrading the forest. Education, agroforestry, afforestation, and provision of alternative livelihood were also good interventions suggested.

Most African countries are vulnerable to climate change as a result of poverty, weather extremes, and insufficient governmental agricultural support. Using the area of Sissala West District, factors influencing farmers’ adaptation to climate change and strategies used to avert climate change impact were determined. A total of 330 small-scale farmers were sampled and their views were determined Using logits regression model, weighted average index, and frequency table. Weighted average index was used to rank opinions of 150 key informants in focus group discussions. Using logits regression model, the study indicated irregular rainfall, high temperature, weather information, and high evaporation as the factors compelling farmers to adapt to climate change. Weighted Average Index used to measure weather extremes revealed that drought and temperature had the highest level of occurrence. Furthermore, climate change adaptation strategies assessed in the study showed that agroforestry practices, drought-resistant crops, and mulching were the most preferred methods. The study concluded that farmers’ ability to adapt to climate change can be improved if Environmental Protection Agency and Ministry of Food and Agriculture intensify climate adaptation campaigns, increase access to weather information, and training farmers on adaptable strategies including, but not limited to, alternative sources of livelihood.