Off-Farm Income Effect on Farmer Response to Climate Change in the Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of off-farm income on maize farmers' responses to climate change in the Tolon district of Northern Region of Ghana. Using multi-stage sampling technique and semi-structured questionnaires, 150 maize farmers from five communities were interviewed. Heckman's treatment effect model was used. The result showed that majority had off-farm income that they received from trading. Furthermore, off-farm income has a significant effect on adoption of adaptation strategies. The majority of the farmers had perceived changes in the climate over the past decades and adaptation strategies practiced included changing planting date, changing crop variety, diversifying crop type, mixed cropping, and keeping animals alongside crop cultivation. Based on the findings from this study, government should provide enabling environment that will create and increase opportunities for farmers to engage in other income-generating activities that will provide them with additional income to procure necessary inputs and tools for appropriate response to the ongoing climate change problem.