Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Strategies in the Agricultural Sector for Reducing Climate Change Risks in the Savanna Region, Northern-Togo

Abstract

The Savanna region of Northern Togo is facing degradation of its main agroecosystems due to the decrease in their ecosystem services exacerbated by the increase frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events, such as droughts and floods which affect farming communities’ livelihoods and well-being. From the literature, Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) strategy is seen as an effective strategy and its adoption needs to catch up among farmers. The study aims to: (i) examine farmer’s perception of climate change risks in the agroecosystems, (ii) analyze the effectiveness and co-benefits of existing EbA strategies adopted by farmers and (iii) assess the key drivers in farmers’ planning decision to sustain their livelihood in the context of climate change. Climate data (rainfall and temperature from 1961-2021) from Togo Meteorological service, and primary data through participatory workshops, focus group discussions and household survey (425 farmers) were collected to achieve the objectives of the study. Three-stage analysis were conducted in this regard. Firstly, the rainfall anomaly index, and a standardized climate change risk perception index (SCCRPI) were used to analyze climate variability and assess climate change risk perception. Secondly an EbA framework was used to assess the effectiveness and co-benefits of common practices used by farmers in the study area. Three dimensions comprised such EbA framework which are: (i) provision of ecosystem services, (ii)improvement of adaptation benefits, and (iii) improvement of livelihood and food security. Weighted average index was computed to assess farmers’ perception of the three dimensions of EbA practices and key drivers of their assessment using a multiple regression analysis. The third stage of the analysis used the theory of Planned Behavior which aims to examine the decision-making process leading to the adoption of EbA practices by farmers. A structural equation modeling (SEM) and discriminant analysis were applied to model farmers' adoption behavior and decisions. The results showed that climate conditions in the study area, such as increased frequency and the span of dry spells, and erratic rainfall when coupled with socioeconomic and ecological drivers, increase climate impacts on target agroecosystems in the study area. From the various practices surveyed, five practices (agroforestry, crop rotation, grass hedge/stone bunds, in-filed water drainage channel, and intercropping) strike out as most effective in improving agroecosystem resilience, enhancing adaptation benefits, and increasing livelihood and food security. The study also showed that farmers' planning decision to adopt any number of EbA practices is significantly dependent on their perception of control over the use and the benefits drawn from such EbA practices, as well as their vulnerability and exposure to climate hazards. Therefore, those factors were seen to improve farmers' adoption decision of EbA practices.