Building Climate Resilience: A Review of the Impacts and Adaptation Strategies for Pastoralist and Farming Communities in Northern Ghana

Abstract Northern Ghana is increasingly vulnerable to the multifaceted impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts. These climatic stressors significantly disrupt the livelihoods of farming and pastoralist communities, exacerbating existing challenges such as land degradation, dwindling natural resources, and natural resource-based conflicts. This study presents a systematic review of both observed and projected climate change impacts in Northern Ghana, critically assessing current adaptation strategies. Following the PRISMA methodology, the review involved the identification, screening, and analysis of relevant literature sourced from Web of Science and ProQuest databases. Eligible studies were rigorously evaluated to extract data on adaptation practices, community responses, and policy interventions. Key findings highlight the prevalence and effectiveness of strategies such as rainwater harvesting, livelihood diversification, and the application of indigenous knowledge systems in enhancing community resilience. However, the review also identifies critical gaps in resource access, institutional support, and knowledge integration that hinder broader impact. Recommendations include scaling up water security infrastructure, improving access to climate-smart financing mechanisms, and promoting hybrid knowledge systems that integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern technologies.