Food Insecurity Levels
The Food Insecurity Levels index provides critical data on areas facing challenges in accessing sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. Food insecurity is a significant climate vulnerability factor, as it reflects the susceptibility of communities to changing weather patterns and resource scarcity. This index supports identifying high-risk zones where improving food systems and agricultural resilience can mitigate climate impacts. For instance, regions experiencing food insecurity due to erratic rainfall patterns could benefit from the introduction of drought-resistant crop varieties and improved storage facilities. This index helps prioritize such interventions where they are most urgently needed.
Overall Food Insecurity
Severity Distribution
Regional Analysis
Urban Areas
- Food Insecure: 18.5%
- At Risk: 25.3%
- Food Secure: 56.2%
Rural Areas
- Food Insecure: 28.9%
- At Risk: 45.2%
- Food Secure: 25.9%
Crop Yields
The Crop Yields index evaluates agricultural productivity across Ghana, highlighting the capacity of regions to sustain food security amidst climate variability. Low crop yields are often linked to exposure to climate hazards such as droughts or floods. This index helps users understand the interplay between agricultural resilience and climate risks, guiding interventions to bolster farming systems and support adaptive strategies. Low crop yields in the Northern Savannah zone of Ghana might reflect vulnerability to floods or droughts. Interventions like promoting irrigation systems or agroforestry can help improve yields while addressing climate resilience.
Major Crop Yields
Cereals
2.8 tonnes/ha- Maize: 3.2 tonnes/ha
- Rice: 2.5 tonnes/ha
- Sorghum: 1.8 tonnes/ha
Root Crops
12.5 tonnes/ha- Cassava: 15.6 tonnes/ha
- Yam: 10.2 tonnes/ha
- Sweet Potato: 8.5 tonnes/ha
Legumes
1.5 tonnes/ha- Groundnuts: 1.8 tonnes/ha
- Cowpea: 1.2 tonnes/ha
- Soybean: 1.5 tonnes/ha
Carbon Footprints of Foods
The Carbon Footprints of Foods index reveals the environmental impact of food production and consumption patterns in Ghana. By understanding which foods contribute most to greenhouse gas emissions, users can promote sustainable diets and reduce the carbon intensity of food systems. This index informs strategies for mitigating climate change while ensuring food security, creating pathways toward more resilient and sustainable communities. For example, high-carbon foods like imported beef might exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions. Campaigns encouraging the consumption of locally-produced, low-carbon foods like plantains and yams could reduce the carbon footprint while supporting local farmers.
Food Carbon Footprint
High Impact Foods
Medium Impact Foods
Low Impact Foods
Links to NCDs
The Links to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) index explores how underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, intersect with climate risks. Populations with high NCD prevalence face increased vulnerability during extreme weather events, as these conditions can limit mobility and strain healthcare systems. For example, individuals with respiratory illnesses in areas prone to wildfires may experience heightened health risks. Proactive healthcare interventions and policies can reduce climate-related health impacts for at-risk communities.
Diet-Related Health Impacts
Dietary Risk Factors
Obesity
28.5%- High Calorie Intake
- Processed Foods
- Low Physical Activity
Cardiovascular Disease
15.8%- High Salt Intake
- Saturated Fats
- Low Fiber Diet
Diabetes
12.2%- High Sugar Intake
- Refined Carbohydrates
- Poor Diet Quality