Local communities’ adaptation strategies for reducing vulnerabilities to climate change in cocoa-forest dominated landscapes in Ghana

Climate change is causing various impacts worldwide, including heat waves, droughts, floods, and pest infestations. Understanding how communities cope with predicted impacts and reduce vulnerability is crucial for designing effective policies that enhance their adaptive capacities. This study presents empirical evidence on how climate change manifests in cocoa-forest-dominated landscapes, its impacts, and the mechanisms communities in the Sefwi-Wiawso, Juaboso, and Bia West adopt to reduce their vulnerabilities. Data were collected through focus group discussions and face-to-face interview involving 97 respondents within the landscape. The results indicate that the most common climate change hazards in the area are drought, floods, wildfires, wind/rainstorms, excessive heat, and pest infestations. Women, who are primarily responsible for water fetching and fuelwood collection, were found to be particularly vulnerable. The study identifies various coping strategies and adaptation practices adopted by these communities. The integration of trees into farming practices was found to be the most prevalent coping strategy for both men and women. Other strategies include diversification into alternative livelihood activities, the establishment of early warning systems, and the cultivation of cash crops. The research highlights that adaptation strategies vary depending on the economic opportunities and priorities within different landscapes. While adaptive capacities already exist, they need to be further strengthened, and policies should support, rather than hinder, these capacities and strategies. Existing adaptation strategies also need to be recognized and reinforced through policies.