Adapting to climate change amidst innovation diffusion and declining indigenous agricultural knowledge and practices in Ghana

Abstract

This paper examines how farmers adapt to climate change through innovation diffusion amidst declining indigenous agricultural knowledge and practices in Ghana. Small-scale farmers rely on indigenous practices and technological diffusion to cope with change even where the adoption levels of externally promoted technologies can be slow. The paper uses a qualitative case study to explore an in-depth understanding of climate change, innovation diffusion and indigenous knowledge. Data was collected through fifty interviews, eight focus groups and five hundred and forty-five surveys to develop insights into how farmers adapt to climatic changes, technologies, and knowledge systems. While traditional practices such as planting drought-resistant crops and manuring are relevant for adapting to climate change, some farmers integrate modern technologies and practices to improve productivity based on knowledge and resource availabilities. Farmers’ actions are sometimes structured in everyday social practices and new technologies. Technological diffusion among farmers is informed by lived experiences and external structures, explaining why changes occur differently across communities. While some traditional knowledge systems are less popular among young and educated farmers, older farmers grapple with continuity and change in technologies and practices. This research has implications for how the government engage farmers on existing knowledge, innovation, and climate change.