The role of intersectionality in shaping adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers in the Talensi district of Ghana

In the Talensi district of Ghana, smallholder farmers adapt to climate change—including variability, extreme weather events, and long-term temperature shifts—in varied and unequal ways. This study delves into the intersectional nature of this inequality. Specifically, it explores how the socio-demographics of these smallholder farmers intersect with their livelihood capitals, shaping their capacity for climate adaptation. Drawing from a systematic random sample of 130 smallholder farmers and six focus group discussions and employing descriptive and inferential statistics and narrative analysis, the research unpacks how livelihood capital indicators intersect with these farmers’ socio-demographics, either supporting or constraining their climate adaptation efforts. The findings underscore how socio-demographic identities and livelihood resources result in unequal adaptive capacities and opportunities within heterogeneous communities. This research enriches the intersectionality literature, advocating for an intersectional approach to vulnerability studies. Such an approach can yield a deeper insight into vulnerability, allowing researchers to identify and understand vulnerable groups more precisely. An intersectionality approach is essential to avoid overshadowing complex local realities, which could inadvertently neglect the needs of many individuals and exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.