Climate change and cultural values: the influence of traditional values on climate change adaptation practices among smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana

The study explores the influence of traditional values on climate change adaptation practices among smallholder farmers in the Bole District in Northern Ghana. Drawing from qualitative data obtained through focus group discussions and key informant interviews across three communities, the study investigates how traditional values defined as inherited practices and beliefs, including taboos, shape adaptive responses to climate stress. The study interviewed 15 key informants, including traditional leaders and customary land owners, in the three communities (Balpe, Manful and Sonyo). Six focus group discussions were conducted (two FGD in each community) for male and female smallholder farmer groups. The results show that while traditional values foster locally viable adaptation, these time-tested traditional adaptation systems are often overlooked, with a focus on modern adaptation practices. The paper argues for an integration of traditional values into climate policy and extension strategies to support socially inclusive and sustainable adaptation practices by smallholder farmers.