Associations between perceived climate change and food insecurity in a last mile district of rural Ghana: a mixed-methods study

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.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Jess Boxall: orcid.org/0009-0009-1912-0380

ORCID for Ken Brackstone: orcid.org/0000-0002-6882-3260

ORCID for Winfred Dotse-Gborgbortsi: orcid.org/0000-0001-7627-1809

ORCID for Natasha Fothergill-Misbah: orcid.org/0000-0002-1192-6250

ORCID for Martin Kunc: orcid.org/0000-0002-3411-4052

ORCID for Michael Head: orcid.org/0000-0003-1189-0531

ORCID for Jim Wright: orcid.org/0000-0002-8842-2181

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