Factors that influence farmers’ preparedness for floods in the Upper East Region, Ghana

Abstract

Globally, and in Ghana, flooding is recognised as one of the extreme weather conditions that affect lives and property. As a result, there is increasing apprehension about the effects of climate change induced flooding on farmers and society in general. This notwithstanding, very little is known about the factors influencing farmers to prepare for flood hazards. This paper explores the factors influencing flood preparedness among farmers in the Upper East Region. A total of 343 respondents, mainly farmers were drawn randomly from flood-prone communities within the Talensi and Bulsa South districts in the Upper East Region. Data were collected using a questionnaire, interview guide and focus group discussion guide. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that in general, income, education, age, experience, and sex are the main factors influencing flood preparedness among farmers in the selected communities. This paper concludes by discussing the policy implications of the results, offering recommendations for policy and practice.