Mapping the vulnerability of indigenous fruit trees to environmental change in the fragile savannah ecological zone of Northern Ghana

Following the incidence of environmental change globally and its negative consequences on livelihoods of local populations, vulnerability assessment has become central to mitigation and adaptation response in the global south. However, researches on vulnerability to climate change in the African continent have seldom focused on Indigenous Fruit Trees (IFTs) although they are an essential part of the strategic forest resources and livelihood systems of local communities. This paper explores the vulnerability of two IFTs, shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) and dawadawa (Parkia biglobosa) to climatic and other stressors that are not directly linked to climate change in rural Ghana and the implications for planning. The paper analyzed vulnerability from farmer perspectives elicited through a mixed study design involving the use of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods and a household survey. The results reveal that IFTs are highly vulnerable to drought, rainstorms, bushfires and charcoal production and less vulnerable to heavy precipitation, flash floods and sand mining. Such vulnerability arising from the combined effects of multiple stressors has led to a decreasing trend in production and yields of IFTS over the past few decades, adversely affecting livelihoods of rural women and households. To reduce vulnerability, it is an imperative to promote Environmental Change Adaptation Planning (ECAP) that prioritizes conservation and propagation of IFTs, and diversification of rural livelihoods.

Automated summary

This paper explores the vulnerability of Indigenous Fruit Trees (IFTs) to various stressors in rural Ghana and the implications for planning. The results reveal that IFTs are highly vulnerable to drought, rainstorms, bushfires, and charcoal production, while being less vulnerable to heavy precipitation, flash floods, and sand mining. The combined effects of these stressors have led to a decreasing trend in IFTs' production and yields, adversely affecting rural women and households' livelihoods. Promoting conservation and propagation of IFTs, as well as diversification of rural livelihoods, is crucial to reduce vulnerability.