Assessment of People's Knowledge and Perception on Climate Change: a Case Study of Asunafo North District, Ghana

Abstract

Climate change is an issue that has received significant international attention over the past years. According to projections, it has potentially profound implications for future communities especially thosein developing countries. Since the knowledge and perceptions of people on climate change can affect the success of implemented adaptation and mitigation options, it is vital for societies to undertake regular assessments to gather this information.The study was conducted in Asunafo North District of Ghana. The study sought to determine the knowledge level of climate change among respondents, their perceptions on the impacts of climate change and measures they are undertakingto cope with its effects.Data was collected through administration of questionnaires, interviews and desk study. The sample size was (500) respondents categorized into farmers, civil servants and students. Knowledge was assessed by the ability of the respondents' to describe the climate change concept if they have heard of it. The study indicated that the knowledge level was low (37.20%). However, knowledge varied among the targeted groups and was highest (61.30%) among the civil servants.In spite of the low level of knowledge on climate change among respondents, (70.00%) of them had detected changes in temperatures and rainfall regimes within the district over the years. Most (94.40%) of the farmers attributed these changes to the decline of crop yields in the area. As a result, various adaptation measures such as the planting of more drought resistant crops and changes in crop varieties have been employed to cope with the changes.There is the need for the mass media in Ghana to be actively engaged in the communication of climate change since it was identified as the primary source of information for respondents.