Future of Food: Journal on Food

Farmers' perceptions on climate change and adaptation strategies in Yendi Municipality, Ghana

Selase Adanu
Ho Technical University
Theophilus Abole
Wisconsin International University College
Shine Gbedemah
Wisconsin International University College

It is common to hear and read about climate change in literature, media and interpersonal discussions among farmers and environmental groups. Farmers understanding of climate change differ in the midst of these discussions because of individual experiences and perceptions after many years of farming. The rainfall is declining and the temperature is rising are the common perceptions farmers hold on climate change which they see as adversely affecting agriculture. In moments of such adversity, farmers think about what adaptation measures to implement or are already implementing. The objectives of this study were to find out what farmers perceive as climate change, what they consider as the causes of the change and how they adapt to climate change. Research questions investigated were what are farmers’ perceptions on climate change? What do farmers consider as the causes of climate change? And how do farmers adapt to climate change? Methods used for collecting data were administering of questionnaires to farmers in six towns in the Yendi Municipality, obtaining information through focused group discussions and talking to agricultural extension officers. Data analysis was done using the excel software and the results shown in tables, graphs and charts. Study results showed farmers acknowledged that the climate is changing, and the changes are as a result of bad farming practices including cutting down of trees, influence of super natural forces in preventing rainfall, and changes in wind direction which deprive communities of rainfall. Adaptation measures to cope with climate change mentioned by the farmers include, crop diversification with the view to plant drought resistant crops, and diversifying from high grass consuming ruminants to low grass consuming ones.

Keywords : Climate change ,perception ,adaptation ,diversification ,strategies ,None .

Myanmar High School Students’ Perceptions of College and International Readiness in Western Society

Mark Speckien
Louisiana Tech University
Mark Speckien
Louisiana Tech University
International students are more likely to experience mental health issues and increased stress. Mental health is often surrounded by negative societal stigmas that act as barriers to seeking support and tend to lead to greater mental health concerns. International students tend to seek socioemotional support from other international student peers rather than seeking out counseling services. However, this study shows that LGBTQIA+ international students were less likely to seek socioemotional support from other international student peers due to fear of their sexual orientation being discovered and their families finding out about their identity. This study examines how LGBTQIA+ international students talk about their experiences on and off campus in relations to their socioemotional well-being. Specifically, this study sought to better understand the complexities of LGBTQIA+ students’ identities, and the challenges they faced in terms of their socioemotional well-being. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Keywords : international students, socioemotional well-being, mental health, identity development, intersectionality, LGBTQIA