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Associations between Perceived Climate Change and Food Insecurity in a Last Mile District of Rural Ghana: A Mixed-Methods Study
21 Pages Posted: 26 Sep 2024
More...Abstract
Background: West Africa, including Ghana, is a climate change hotspot, experiencing unpredictable rainfall, and extreme weather. Rural Ghana is especially vulnerable, where poverty, and dependence on climate-sensitive activities mean that under-served communities have less capacity to withstand climate shocks. This threatens food security and health.
Methods: This May 2023 study investigated associations between perceived impacts of climate change and household food insecurity in Mion district (Northern Region, Ghana). Participant data came from surveys (n=397) and focus groups (n=16). Rasch modelling analysed Food Insecurity Experience Scale data, compared with national and international data. Multivariate regression identified food insecurity predictors and associations with self-reported knowledge of climate change. Thematic analyses described the focus groups. Geospatial analysis compared pre-survey and long-term precipitation patterns.
Findings: Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity Mion is 61.5%, with 26.4% severe, both higher than 2023 national and global prevalence. Monthly precipitation during the survey recall period was similar to preceding 20 years. Nearly all (99.95%) reported climate change was negatively affecting household food supply, and 75.6% perceived climate change has affected their health. Larger households, 20–29-year-olds, unemployment, and those with weaker climate knowledge experienced greater food insecurity (p<0.05). Focus groups reinforced these findings, adding that bush-burning is an urgent problem.
Interpretation: Participants feel that high food insecurity is worsening due to climate change. The most food insecure participants reported lowest climate knowledge, potentially exacerbating their inability to respond. Decision-makers must consider specific challenges that agriculture-dependent areas face to their nutrition and health.
Funding: University of Southampton.
Declaration of Interest: There are no competing interests to declare.
Ethical Approval: Ethical approvals for the study were granted by UoS (ERGO: 79159) and UDS in Ghana (Ref: UDS/RB/013/23).
Keywords: global health, climate change, food security, nutrition
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation