In rural Ghana, climate adaptation is not just an environmental issue but a matter of survival for women farmers in the Anloga District of Ghana’s Volta Region, particularly those cultivating tomatoes.

At Woe, Anloga, and Dzita Agbledomi, climate change's effects on temperatures, erratic rainfall, and unpredictable growing seasons, pose a daily threat to their livelihoods. Yet, despite these daunting challenges, they continue to persevere, finding innovative ways to sustain their crops through support from initiatives like the Strengthening Investments in Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation (SIGRA) Project.

However, the journey to climate resilience is filled with obstacles, from the high costs of climate-resistant seeds to inadequate water for irrigation and limited financial support. This article dives deeper into the struggles and triumphs of these resilient women, uncovering how they are leading Ghana’s fight against climate change and what more needs to be done to support them.

In the heart of rural Ghana, where farming is the backbone of survival, climate change has become an unrelenting adversary. In the Anloga District, a community historically tied to agriculture, the daily struggles of women tomato farmers have become emblematic of the global fight against climate change. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, soil degradation, and unpredictable growing seasons are no longer abstract concepts but harsh realities that threaten their livelihoods.

Tomatoes, the lifeblood of the district’s agricultural economy, have been hit hardest. The once-reliable growing seasons have become erratic, while severe water scarcity has rendered traditional farming techniques obsolete. Yet, amidst these challenges, the resilience of these women farmers is evident. Supported by the Strengthening Investments in Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation (SIGRA) Project, they are pioneering innovative climate adaptation techniques, carving a path toward resilience. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges—ranging from the prohibitive cost of climate-resistant seeds to insufficient irrigation systems, financial exclusion, and post-harvest losses. This comprehensive report delves into the real-time data and challenges faced by the women of Anloga, revealing the harsh realities of climate adaptation while celebrating their undying resilience.

Climate Change in Ghana: A Data-Driven Overview

Ghana, like many African countries, is experiencing the brunt of climate change despite being one of the world’s lowest carbon emitters. The nation has seen a significant rise in average temperatures—up by 1.1°C over the last century, with projections indicating that temperatures could increase by an additional 1.5°C by 2050. More pressing for agriculture-dependent regions like Anloga are the erratic rainfall patterns. According to the Ghana Meteorological Agency, annual rainfall levels have decreased by roughly 20% in parts of the country, with the southern regions, including Volta, bearing the brunt of these changes. For Anloga's women farmers, these statistics translate into longer dry seasons, shorter planting windows, and a drastic reduction in crop yields.

Tomato farming, specifically, is highly vulnerable to climate variability. A crop that thrives in specific temperature and moisture conditions, tomatoes are sensitive to excessive heat, which accelerates wilting and reduces the flowering phase necessary for fruit development. In recent years, studies have shown that Ghana’s tomato production has declined by as much as 30%, a figure that aligns with the experiences of women farmers in Dzita Agblwdomi, a community deeply affected by these climate shifts.

The Realities of Climate Adaptation for Anloga's Women Farmers

Farming has been the economic lifeline for women in Anloga for generations, passed down from one family to another. But climate adaptation is forcing these women to rethink how they grow their crops and sustain their livelihoods. Climate change is not just an agricultural issue; it is a social and economic crisis that impacts the very foundation of these women’s lives.

The primary challenge is water scarcity. With rainfall now less reliable, most farmers rely on irrigation for their crops. However, only a small fraction of farmers in the district can afford the cost of irrigation. According to data from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, only 4% of farmers in the Volta Region have access to mechanized irrigation systems. For the rest, water scarcity becomes a severe limitation. Irrigating a 0.5-hectare tomato farm using water-pumping systems costs between GHS 1,000 and GHS 1,500 per growing season—well beyond the reach of many small-scale farmers.

The erratic rainfall further complicates this problem. In the last growing season, farmers in Anloga reported that expected rains arrived two months later than usual, cutting short the crop maturation period and leading to a 40% loss in yields. As temperatures soar, tomatoes wither under the intense heat. This has caused significant anxiety among the women farmers, many of whom now struggle to feed their families, let alone sell produce at the market.

Lauren Intven, Team Lead for the SIGRA Project, notes the overwhelming challenges that these farmers are up against.

"As we celebrate International Rural Women’s Day, we are reminded of the essential role women play in agriculture and the Herculean challenges they face with climate change. The SIGRA Project aims to support these women through improved irrigation access, climate-resistant seeds, and agricultural training. Yet, even with these interventions, the cost of adaptation remains a barrier. More significant investment is required to sustain these farmers in the face of growing climate threats."

Irrigation and Water Access: The Foundation of Climate Adaptation

Water is at the centre of the climate adaptation conversation for women in Anloga. Without affordable and reliable access to irrigation, farmers are dependent on erratic rain patterns that no longer align with traditional planting seasons. The Ghana Irrigation Development Authority reports that the country’s irrigable land is underutilized, with only 30,000 hectares irrigated out of a potential 1.9 million hectares.

For farmers in Dzita Agblwdomi, the majority rely on local rivers and wells for their water needs. But as dry seasons lengthen, these sources are no longer dependable. On average, a farmer spends GHS 200 to 300 weekly on fuel to pump water—a cost that is unsustainable for most.

The SIGRA Project has introduced pilot irrigation systems that use solar power to reduce costs, but the initial investment remains out of reach for many farmers without external support. These systems cost between GHS 10,000 and GHS 15,000 to install, which means collective ownership through cooperatives is one of the few viable options. Women have been encouraged to form cooperatives to pool resources, but even this model is struggling due to a lack of long-term funding commitments.

The Seed Dilemma: Access to Climate-Resilient Varieties

The shift toward climate-resilient seed varieties has been slow, primarily due to cost barriers. Climate-resistant tomato seeds, which are better adapted to withstand drought and extreme temperatures, can cost three to four times more than traditional seeds. A 50g packet of climate-resistant seeds costs between GHS 400 and GHS 600, while a similar quantity of traditional seeds costs only GHS 150.

Many women farmers cannot afford to make the switch, despite knowing that their traditional seeds are more vulnerable to crop failure. In the last growing season, 60% of farmers in the district reported crop losses due to inadequate seed performance under harsh weather conditions. Without subsidies or financial support, these farmers are caught in a cycle of poor yields and lost income.

Mrs. Thywil Eyra Kpe, Volta Regional Director of the Department of Gender, highlights the urgency of providing these farmers with the right resources.

"Women in rural farming communities are the engine of Ghana’s agricultural sector, yet they are disproportionately affected by climate change. Without financial support, affordable seeds, and improved irrigation, their capacity to adapt will remain limited. These women need not only resources but also sustained advocacy to ensure they have what is required to thrive."

Financial Exclusion: A Barrier to Climate Adaptation

One of the most significant challenges for these women is financial exclusion. A study by the Ministry of Finance revealed that only 25% of smallholder farmers in Ghana, most of whom are women, have access to formal financial services. This leaves the majority dependent on informal credit, which comes with high interest rates that further entrench poverty.

Banks view small-scale farmers as high-risk clients, particularly in volatile climates where crop failure is common. Without access to affordable credit, these farmers cannot invest in irrigation systems, climate-resistant seeds, or post-harvest storage facilities that are essential for building climate resilience.

In response to this, the SIGRA Project has partnered with local microfinance institutions to provide low-interest loans specifically for women farmers. However, uptake has been slow due to the stringent requirements that many smallholder farmers cannot meet. A tomato farmer from Dzita Agblwdomi explains:

"We know the solutions, but we don't have the money to implement them. The loans available require collateral we don’t have, and we end up relying on informal lenders who charge us too much. Every year, the cost of farming goes up, and we are left with nothing."

Post-Harvest Losses: A Growing Crisis

Another significant challenge exacerbated by climate change is post-harvest loss. Studies by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture show that 50% of tomatoes harvested in Ghana are lost before they reach the market. This loss is largely attributed to inadequate storage facilities and the high perishability of tomatoes, which spoil quickly in the heat.

Without proper storage solutions, farmers are forced to sell their tomatoes immediately after harvest, often at lower prices due to market saturation. This significantly reduces their income and increases their vulnerability to poverty. The introduction of climate-controlled storage facilities, which could extend the shelf-life of produce by weeks, has been recommended by agricultural experts but remains largely inaccessible due to cost.

Innovation and Resilience: Women Leading the Charge

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the women farmers of Anloga are not passive victims of climate change—they are active agents of innovation and resilience. Through the SIGRA Project, they are adopting climate-smart practices that increase yields and mitigate the impact of climate change. Techniques like mulching, crop rotation, and the use of organic fertilizers are helping to retain moisture in the soil and improve crop health during dry periods.

Women farmers have also embraced cooperative models, which allow them to pool resources and knowledge, collectively invest in irrigation systems, and purchase climate-resistant seeds in bulk at lower prices. These cooperatives have become critical lifelines for women, offering support networks that foster both economic and social empowerment.

The Path Forward: What Needs to Be Done

For the women of Anloga district as well as other districts in Ghana to continue leading the fight against climate change, there must be a concerted effort from the government,