期刊名称:International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology
印刷版ISSN:2347-6710
电子版ISSN:2319-8753
出版年度:2015
卷号:4
期号:1
页码:18417
DOI:10.15680/IJIRSET.2015.0401003
出版社:S&S Publications
摘要:Climate change is an issue that has received significant international attention over the past years.According to projections, it has potentially profound implications for future communities especially thosein developingcountries. Since the knowledge and perceptions of people on climate change can affect the success of implementedadaptation and mitigation options, it is vital for societies to undertake regular assessments to gather thisinformation.The study was conducted in Asunafo North District of Ghana. The study sought to determine theknowledge level of climate change among respondents, their perceptions on the impacts of climate change andmeasures they are undertakingto cope with its effects.Data was collected through administration of questionnaires,interviews and desk study. The sample size was (500) respondents categorized into farmers, civil servants and students.Knowledge was assessed by the ability of the respondents’ to describe the climate change concept if they have heard ofit. The study indicated that the knowledge level was low (37.20%). However, knowledge varied among the targetedgroups and was highest (61.30%) among the civil servants.In spite of the low level of knowledge on climate changeamong respondents, (70.00%) of them had detected changes in temperatures and rainfall regimes within the districtover the years. Most (94.40%) of the farmers attributed these changes to the decline of crop yields in the area. As aresult, various adaptation measures such as the planting of more drought resistant crops and changes in crop varietieshave been employed to cope with the changes.There is the need for the mass media in Ghana to be actively engaged inthe communication of climate change since it was identified as the primary source of information for respondents.