Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Climate change is a pressing global issue that has significant implications for agriculture, particularly for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to assess the economic impact of climate change on smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the challenges they face and the strategies they employ to adapt to changing climatic conditions. The research is guided by the need to understand how climate change affects the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and to identify effective interventions to mitigate its adverse effects. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, presenting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The literature review in Chapter 2 examines existing research on climate change impacts on smallholder farmers, highlighting key findings, gaps in the literature, and theoretical frameworks used to study the topic. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology, including the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis approaches, and ethical considerations. The methodology section aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research process and ensure the validity and reliability of the study findings. In Chapter 4, the discussion of findings presents the results of the empirical research, analyzing the economic impact of climate change on smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The chapter explores the challenges faced by farmers, such as crop failures, livestock losses, and income instability, as well as the adaptive strategies they employ, such as crop diversification, water management, and adoption of climate-resilient technologies. Finally, Chapter 5 offers a conclusion and summary of the thesis, summarizing the key findings, discussing their implications for policy and practice, and suggesting areas for future research. The study contributes to the existing literature on climate change adaptation in agriculture and provides valuable insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and researchers working to support smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa as they navigate the challenges of climate change.

Thesis Overview

The research project, titled "Assessing the Economic Impact of Climate Change on Smallholder Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa," aims to investigate the profound effects of climate change on smallholder farmers in the Sub-Saharan African region. This study is crucial given the vulnerability of smallholder farmers to the impacts of climate change, which pose significant challenges to their livelihoods, food security, and overall well-being. By focusing on this specific demographic group in Sub-Saharan Africa, the research seeks to shed light on the complex interactions between climate change, agricultural practices, and economic outcomes. Smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change due to their reliance on rain-fed agriculture, limited access to resources, and often marginal land holdings. Changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events directly impact agricultural productivity, crop yields, and ultimately the income and food security of smallholder farmers. Understanding the economic implications of these climate-related challenges is essential for developing targeted interventions and policies to support the resilience and sustainability of smallholder farming systems in the region. This research overview will delve into various aspects of the project, including the background and significance of the study, the specific research objectives, the methodology employed, key findings, and the implications of the study for policy and practice. By examining the economic impact of climate change on smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, this research aims to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on climate change adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive development in the region.