ghana climate change vulnerability and adaptation assessment

Table 5.6 Matrix of climate change adaptation options for agricultureAdaptation Options in Agriculture to Climate Change and VariabilityAdaptation Option Purpose Necessary supporting policies Other prerequisites LimitationsShort-termCrop InsurancePrivate/public programs Enabling improved risk coverage Improving access Synergies between governmentFormal/informal schemes Risk management through riskreduction and risk sharingand private sector in bearingrisksMinimizing informationasymmetriesImproving supervisory capacity Establishing enforcementmechanismsRevising pricing incentives Introducing measures for theImproving affordability/availabilityof coverage for catastrophescorrect estimation ofpremiumsInnovative schemes should bepursued (e.g., tradeablefinancial assets; catastrophicbonds; weather markets)Risk averse communities/insufficientcollateralHigh opportunity costs of publicfundsHigh monitoring costs (institutionallimitations)Adverse selection/moral hazardNeed to establish well-functioningproducerPortfolio (Crop/Livestock)DiversificationReplacement of plant types,cultivars, hybrids and animalbreeds with new varietiesAlternative productiontechniques (adjustment ofcapital and labor inputs)Risk-spreading/ promoting farmlevelrisk managementIncreasing productivity Financial support/ alternativesshould be provided by private andpublic sectorAvailability of extension services Tenure reform to ensureproperty rights are establishedLand-use regulations need tobe reviewed to enablediversificationMulti-cropping Defending against disease, pest Enable mobility of activities Education/training/ extensionservices need to be providedMixed farming systems ofcrops and livestockRemove subsidies on certaincrops/livestock production notconducive to changed climatic andresource conditionsTraditions, lack of awareness, andother limitations (high opportunitycosts) may dampen willingness todiversifyOver-dependence on governmentsupport mechanisms needs to bereducedNeed alternatives that maintainquantity and income fromproductionAdjusting Timing of FarmOperationsAdjusting croppingsequenceReducing risks of crop damage/maximizing output in light of newconditionsExtension services/training arenecessaryMechanisms for thedissemination of agronomicand climate informationInvestment in collection of climatedata and disseminating informationrequiredGHANA CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY AND ADAPTATION ASSESSMENT 76