The role of climate services in agricultural productivity in Ghana: The perspectives of farmers and institutions

Abstract

Climate change has been a great drawback for developing countries regarding agricultural productivity. In discussing the possible spheres of adapting agriculture to climate change, climate service mainstreaming is given less attention despite its role in agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where smallholder farming is dominant and rain-fed. Attempts at mainstreaming climate services through sectorial development strategies in order to improve adaptive capacities of stakeholder institutions are often given less attention. This paper argues that mainstreaming climate services should be at the forefront in ensuring a resilient agricultural base in SSA and that the co- production of these services is ideal for all users. Drawing on empirical evidence from Ghana, the paper concludes that though the mainstreaming of climate services provides possible reliable options for developing a resilient agricultural sector, there are institutional challenges that require immediate redress especially the adoption of a National Framework for Climate Services. Keywords: Agricultural policy, Climate change, Climate services, Ghana