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Adaptation to Climate Change and Variability in Rural West Africa pp 215–237Cite as

Mapping Social Capital for Adaptation to Climatic Variability in a Savannah Ecosystem of Ghana

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Abstract

In view of current climate variability and change and the projected increase in extreme events, adaptation to climate risks is vital. For effective adaptation, all resources (economic, social and environmental) have to be utilised. However, not much of social capital is captured in adaptation policy and planning. The under utilisation of social capital exacerbated by inadequate data documentation has created a knowledge gap which this chapter addressed by mapping. This was done by examining the variables used by the people to adapt to climate variability and change and then quantifying them for mapping. A household survey, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to identify the variables of social capital and how they are used in the adaptation process. About 10 variables were identified and verified from existing literature before quantification. Some of the variables were quantified using secondary data while others were scored. The resultant map shows spatial variation of social capital, with Builsa North and South and Bongo Districts possessing the highest social capital while Bawku Municipality possesses the lowest. This social capital can be enhanced for adaptation with policy support. It is therefore recommended that state agencies tasked with adaptation policy formulation should consider social capital as a policy option. Also, the variables of social capital perceived to be weakening should be revitalised through sensitisation by local authorities and NGOs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana

    G. A. B. Yiran

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  1. G. A. B. Yiran
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  1. Dept. of Geography and Resource Devl., University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana

    Joseph A. Yaro

  2. Dept. of Sociology and Human Geography, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Jan Hesselberg

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Yiran, G.A.B. (2016). Mapping Social Capital for Adaptation to Climatic Variability in a Savannah Ecosystem of Ghana. In: Yaro, J., Hesselberg, J. (eds) Adaptation to Climate Change and Variability in Rural West Africa. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31499-0_12

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