Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Climate change poses a significant threat to global agricultural productivity, particularly affecting smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. This thesis explores the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity among smallholder farmers in the Sub-Saharan African region. The study aims to investigate the various challenges faced by smallholder farmers due to climate change and to identify potential adaptation strategies to mitigate these challenges. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, highlighting the background of the study, the problem statement, research objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The chapter sets the foundation for understanding the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review that examines existing studies on climate change and its effects on agricultural productivity, particularly focusing on smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The review covers ten key themes related to climate change, agriculture, and adaptation strategies in the region. Chapter Three details the research methodology employed in this study, including the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures. The chapter outlines the steps taken to collect and analyze data from smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa to assess the impact of climate change on their agricultural productivity. Chapter Four presents a detailed discussion of the findings obtained from the research study. The chapter explores the various challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa due to climate change, such as erratic weather patterns, declining crop yields, and increased pest and disease outbreaks. Additionally, the chapter discusses potential adaptation strategies and policy recommendations to enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers in the face of climate change. Chapter Five offers a conclusion and summary of the research findings. The chapter highlights the key insights gained from the study and provides recommendations for policymakers, agricultural practitioners, and other stakeholders to address the challenges posed by climate change on agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Overall, this thesis contributes to the existing literature on climate change adaptation in agriculture and provides valuable insights for enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Keywords Climate Change, Agricultural Productivity, Smallholder Farmers, Sub-Saharan Africa, Adaptation Strategies.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "The Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Productivity: A Case Study of Smallholder Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa" aims to investigate the effects of climate change on the agricultural productivity of smallholder farmers in the Sub-Saharan African region. Smallholder farmers play a crucial role in the agricultural sector, contributing significantly to food security and economic development in the region. However, they are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to their reliance on rainfed agriculture and limited access to resources and technology. The study will explore the various ways in which climate change, including changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events, is affecting agricultural productivity among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. It will also examine the adaptation strategies adopted by these farmers to cope with the challenges posed by climate change and assess the effectiveness of these strategies in enhancing resilience and ensuring food security. By conducting a detailed analysis of the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and the adaptation measures employed by smallholder farmers, the research aims to generate valuable insights that can inform policies and interventions aimed at building the resilience of smallholder farmers in the face of climate change. The findings of the study are expected to contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices and climate-smart strategies that can help smallholder farmers mitigate the negative effects of climate change and improve their livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa.