Understanding hydrometeorological conditions and their relationship with crop production in the upper east region, Ghana

Abstract

This study analyzes long-term patterns in precipitation, (P), evapotranspiration (ET), and meteorological and agricultural drought indices in the Upper East Region (UER) of Ghana from 1981 to 2017. The study further investigates the relationship between these hydrometeorological variables and yields of groundnut, maize, millet, rice, and sorghum from 1993 to 2017. Results indicate statistically non-significant trends in P and ET over the study period, corresponding with fairly consistent crop yields. However, both linear and non-linear relationships between crop yield and hydrometeorological conditions were observed, with extreme soil moisture (SM) and P levels negatively impacting yields, likely due to waterlogging exceeding optimal thresholds for crops, or drought stress. Regression analyses show moderate R-squared values (0.1 to 0.5), suggesting that while hydrometeorological variables are key drivers, other factors, such as farming practices and socio-economic conditions, also influence yield variability. These findings underscore the need for water management strategies to optimize soil moisture and mitigate the impact of both droughts and extreme waterlogging on crop production. The study recommends adopting modern agricultural technologies, such as precision irrigation and drought-resistant crop varieties, to enhance crop yields and ensure sustainable farming in the UER. • Analyzes 37-year hydroclimatic data for crop yields in Ghana’s UER. • Integrates geospatial data to map agricultural productivity trends. • Excess soil moisture and rain negatively impact staple crop yields. • Demonstrates geospatial analysis for climate–agriculture links in data-scarce regions.