Name
Farming on the Walls: Exploring How Art Promotes Agroecology and Climate Action in Rural Ghana
Date & Time
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Description

Agroecology is an essential approach to sustainable farming in rural Ghana, where smallholder farmers (SHFs) confront frequent and severe climate shocks, declining soil health, and food insecurity. To build resilient agricultural systems, community engagement in artistic expression is gaining traction. Recent initiatives emphasize integrating artistic expression into agroecological frameworks to enhance awareness and foster community involvement. Agricultural Murals ( AgM) emerged as visual art and effective communication tools that convey important messages about sustainable farming practices. While existing literature has explored the benefits of agroecology, few studies have addressed the intersection of art and agriculture. Previous investigations have highlighted the role of education and traditional practices in promoting agroecological methods but have not sufficiently examined the impact of artistic expression, particularly AgM, on SHFs engagement and climate adaptation strategies. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovations (DI) and Social Learning (SL) theories, this study investigates how AgM can improve sustainable farming practices and enhance climate adaptation and resilience among SHFs in rural Ghana. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach [surveys n=1,033) and focus groups (n=5)], results from logistics regression and thematic analysis show a significant increase in awareness of agroecological practices among SHFs following mural installation. SHFs reported an enhanced understanding of climate adaptation techniques, indicating that visual storytelling resonates deeply within their farming communities. Therefore, incorporating murals into agroecological initiatives can effectively raise awareness and promote sustainable farming among SHFs. Policymakers and Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) should consider integrating artistic expression into agroecological programs to foster deeper community engagement, enhance educational outreach, and ultimately contribute to more resilient agricultural practices in the face of climate challenges.

Location Name
Mackenzie (ME) 4236
Session Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract ID
231
Speaker Name
Cornelius K. A. Pienaah
Speaker Organization
University of Western Ontario
Session Name
CS152 Geographies of Food Security and Farming