*2.2. Data Collection*

A mixed-methods approach, involving the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data, was used in this study. The data were sequentially collected through focus group discussions (FGDs), questionnaire surveys, and stakeholder interviews. Due to the lack of official data on the number of maize farmers in the communities, the researchers relied on information provided by key contact persons who were identified in each community. These key contacts also assisted the researchers in the selection of key maize farmers in their respective communities. To ensure the spatial representation of the populations in the communities, the key maize farmers were selected from different neighborhoods in the communities. The farmers identified were grouped into male and female groups for focus group discussions (FGD). Each group comprised 9 to 12 participants, who had mixed socio-economic characteristics such as age, education, and farm characteristics. The mixed characteristics ensured a representative sample of the study population. Furthermore, the gender-based and small-sized focus groups allowed active participation during the interviews. In total, four male and four female FGDs were conducted in the study communities (Ejura, 4; Kasei, 2; and Anyinasu, 2), with a total of 82 participants.

In addition to the FGDs, questionnaires were administered to approximately half of the farmers who participated in the FGDs. A similar approach to that described by Obour, et al. [9] was used in selecting the respondents of the questionnaire. Thus, the respondents targeted in each study community were those who were more experienced and knowledgeable about the 2020 minor season maize failure than the average farmer and were willing to participate. In total, 40 questionnaires were administered (Ejura: 19; Kasei: 9; Anyinasu: 12).

Finally, key informant interviews (KIIs) were held with personnel from the Municipal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) Directorate, local agricultural extension officers in whose jurisdictions the study communities were located. The interviews were held either in English or Akan (Twi) depending on the preference of the respondents. The FGDs and KIIs were recorded and later transcribed. All data were collected following strict COVID-19 protocols, such as social distancing and the wearing of face masks. The primary data collected consisted of the stakeholders' observation of changes in climate variables, particularly rainfall and temperature, respondents' accounts of maize production in terms of changes in yield, especially during the 2020 minor season, and their narration of the probable causes of the 2020 minor season maize failure. Further, data on the farmers' practices and their opinions on how to mitigate future maize production failures were solicited. Finally, information on government preparedness to prevent the future occurrence of crop failures in the country was solicited from agricultural extension officers and personnel from the Municipal MoFA Directorate.

To corroborate the information obtained from the respondents, daily rainfall and minimum temperature data for the municipality covering the period 2015 to 2020 were obtained from the GMet. In addition, data on the grain yield of maize for the municipality covering 2012 to 2020 were also obtained from the Municipal MoFA Directorate. The climate and yield data were used to analyze trends over the past half decade, particularly in 2020, which is the focus of the study.
