Rice (Oryza sativa) Farmers’ Knowledge about Effects of Climate Change in the North East Region of Ghana

The study surveyed rice (Oryzae sativa) farmers to determine their knowledge and perceptions about effects of climate change on rice farming in the North East Region of Ghana. Two hundred respondents were randomly sampled from four communities to respond to a questionnaire. Reliability of the questionnaire was determined with Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.793. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. It was revealed that 89.5% of respondents agreed that climate change is caused by natural and anthropogenic factors. Observable effects of climate change on rice farming stated are, changes in temperature and precipitation patterns (mean of4.58); high risks to rice production (mean of 4.64) and continuous negative effect on rice storage (Mean of 4.16). Adaptation challenges faced by farmers include inadequate capital (Mean of 5.68) and lack of access to water for irrigation (mean of 5.84). In all cases differences among the mean responses were statistically significant (p<0.05). Though the farmers had very high knowledge about many of the effects of climate change on rice farming, there were equally a number of cases of wrong understanding of issues. A way out is for agricultural extension officers to have well designed education programmes for educating farmers on climate change and its effects on rice farming.