Effects of climate change and livelihood diversification on the gender productivity gap in Northern Ghana

Abstract

Gendered productivity gaps remain a major limitation to the growth of the agricultural sector of sub-Saharan Africa. The drive towards agricultural transformation must be accompanied by gender inclusive productivity growth. Therefore, this study analyses the effects of climate variables and livelihood diversification on gendered productivity gaps among maize farmers in Northern Ghana. Data were collected from 619 farmers and were analysed using an endogenously corrected Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition model. Results suggest the presence of a significant productivity gap of 58.8% between male and female household heads, and of 44.8% between men household heads and female spouses. About 87% and 98%, respectively, of these productivity gaps were explained by the differences in resource endowment. While livelihood diversification significantly affected gendered productivity through both endowment and coefficient effects, climate variables significantly influenced gendered productivity gaps only through the coefficient component. These results suggest the potential for reducing gendered productivity gaps by providing equal diversification opportunities and by reducing women’s vulnerability to climate change. Among livelihood activities, agro-processing could be prioritized and promoted in the region. While farmers should adopt on-farm climate adaptation strategies, extension services should tailor the provision of climate information and promote climate adaptation strategies