Climate change and sustainable development: an insight into perceptions of the Offinso South District

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Date
June, 2016
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Abstract
This study was conducted to seek the perceptions of the residents of Offinso South district on climate change and resilience. The main aim of the study was to obtain an understanding of community’s perception about climate change and resilience. A multistage sampling technique was employed in selecting the 308 respondents from five (5) communities within the Offinso South District. Data was analyzed using SPSS and results were presented using tables, graphs and charts. Results show that respondents believe climate change was mainly a change in the weather condition. They had also observed major changes in rainfall intensity and pattern, sunshine and wind intensity which contributed to the prolong dryness hence increase in food shortage and poverty. It was made clear that respondents perceived that climate change is a natural phenomenon and that its part of earth’s natural cycle. Respondents further indicated that climate change had increased poverty both at the individual and community level. Respondents also perceived that education and sensitization on climate change and diversification of livelihoods would help improve their resilience against climate change. In conclusion, results from the study shows that climate change is affecting the lives and properties of rural individuals. The sad thing is most of community members have no idea about what to do and things to avoid in this era of climate change to improve their resilience. These major impacts of climate change and naivety of individuals and community as a whole on actions to take with regards to climate change may bring development to a halt if not reversed.
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A thesis submitted to The School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Philosophy Degree in Sustainable and Integrated Rural Development.
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