Mainstreaming Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices in Climate-Sensitive Policies for Resilient Agricultural Systems in Ghana

Abstract Policymakers underestimate the extensive role of indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) in national climate adaptation action. Drawing from the mainstreaming theory, this study examined the extent to which ILK systems have been mainstreamed into Ghana’s climate policy framework for realizing adaptation outcomes in agriculture and rural development. The study employed qualitative approaches including content analysis of policy documents and 15 key informant interviews. Findings revealed that adaptation actions are only canvassed in the national actions for climate change adaptation but are spirally incorporated in agriculture and rural development policies which are critical adaptation areas for Ghana as emphasized in the National Climate Change Policy. Further, results suggested that ILK is less prioritized in Ghana’s policy framework despite its importance and emergence in local adaptation efforts. Finally, the results revealed inadequate information on ILK, lack of deliberate policy on ILK and practices, lack of government commitment toward ILK, under-sourced institutions and Lack of coordination and inherent overlap of mandate as key barriers militating against mainstreaming ILK and climate change adaptation in national policy. We conclude that mainstreaming ILK and local adaptation practices in Ghana’s climate policy has the potential to facilitate a collective and sustainable response to climate change and build resilient agricultural systems to address food security challenges and foster rural development.