Philip Antwi-Agyei

Environmental Science

About

Prof. Philip Antwi-Agyei is a Professor of Climate Change and Sustainability Science, and the Provost of the College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. He previously served as the Director of the Office of Grants and Research, KNUST from 2021 to 2025. Philip is a former Commonwealth Scholar, who obtained his PhD from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom in July 2013. He also holds MSc degree from the University of Hull, United Kingdom and a BSc degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Philip is an interdisciplinary climate change scientist, whose research involves developing innovative multi-scale approaches for assessing vulnerability to climate change (especially in the form of drought sensitivity) for dryland African farming systems. Specifically, his research uses spatial databases, ecological studies and field-based participatory approaches within the broader understanding of how climate change affects food production and rural livelihoods from a developing country perspective. Another strand of his research explores how smallholder farmers in “vulnerability hotspots" in dryland farming systems are adapting to climate change and variability.As a distinguished interdisciplinary climate change scientist, Prof. Antwi-Agyei was selected in July 2025 as a Coordinating Lead Author for the Seventh Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). He also served as a Lead Author for the IPCC Special Report on the Impacts of Global Warming of 1.5 0C above pre-industrial levels, and as a Contributing Author for the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC. Additionally, Prof. Antwi-Agyei was appointed to the United Nations High Level Panel of Experts on Building Resilient Food Systems Report of the World Committee on Food Security in September 2024. Prof. Antwi-Agyei is a multiple award-winning scholar, having won several prestigious international awards and grants including the International Foundation for Science (2010–2013), Climate Impacts Research Capacity and Leadership Enhancement Fellowship (CIRCLE) (2015 - 2016) funded by the UK's Department for International Development and the African Academy of Sciences, Innovation Grants from the London School of Economics and University of Leeds, UK (2016 - 2018), and Science for Weather Information and Forecasting Techniques (Africa SWIFT) (2016 - 2021) funded by the Global Challenge Research Fund.Philip has also won grants under the Climate Research for Development (CR4D) (2019 - 2021), an initiative of the African Climate Policy Centre in partnership with the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DfID) Weather and Climate Information Services for Africa (WISER) and implemented by the African Academy of Sciences. Philip was a Fellow under the prestigious Future Leaders - Africa Independent Research (FLAIR) (2020 - 2023) and FLAIR Collaboration Grants (2021 - 2022).In his professional capacity, he has provided consultancy services for leading international and national organisations including the United Nations Development Programme, the International Institute for Sustainable Development, Canada, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Environmental Protection Agency, to mention but a few.He has played a pivotal role in influencing policy for climate change adaptation in Ghana including leading the development of the National Adaptation Plan Framework and National Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan for the Infrastructure Sector. Philip was the consultant on adaptation issues for the development of the Revised Nationally Determined Contribution for Ghana under the Paris Climate Agreement. Prof. Antwi-Agyei has also led the assessment of district-specific climate change risks and vulnerability in several districts and municipalities across the country.He has over 20 years of university teaching, research and administrative experiences and has published extensively on climate change issues in top-tier peer reviewed international journals. Prof. Antwi-Agyei has presented has research in several international conferences and workshops.Philip is a Visiting Research Associate at the Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Philip has also been a Visiting Researcher at the Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy, University of Leeds, United Kingdom.

Research Summary

(inferred from publications by AI)

Climate change presents a complex challenge for humanity, with its profound impacts on agriculture, land use, and education. The research underscores the critical role of climate-related issues in driving food security, sustainable development, and economic growth across numerous regions. The integration of technology and education in these sectors is essential to mitigate vulnerabilities and enhance resilience. Sustainable development efforts highlight the need for effective climate-smart agricultural practices, adaptive strategies, and policy support. This theme emphasizes the importance of addressing climate variability to ensure food production systems adaptability, particularly in regions like Ghana, where challenges persist despite significant progress. The role of formal knowledge frameworks is also crucial in fostering climate-resilient communities. In addressing climate change, technical expertise plays a vital role, with studies on crop and livestock extension services providing valuable insights. The paper notes that farmers' responses to climate variability are deeply influenced by lived experiences, underscoring the importance of culturally responsive teaching. Research across various domains highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches to mitigate rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity. From water management to eco-friendly agriculture, the focus remains on developing strategies that support food security in a changing world.

Research Themes

All Papers

A systematic global stocktake of evidence on human adaptation to climate change(2021)

Mapping evidence of human adaptation to climate change(2021)

Technical Summary: Global warming of 1.5°C. An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty(2019)

Mapping the vulnerability of crop production to drought in Ghana using rainfall, yield and socioeconomic data(2011)

Improving the effectiveness of agricultural extension services in supporting farmers to adapt to climate change: Insights from northeastern Ghana(2021)

Adaptation opportunities and maladaptive outcomes in climate vulnerability hotspots of northern Ghana(2017)

Livelihood adaptations to climate variability: insights from farming households in Ghana(2014)

Barriers to climate change adaptation: evidence from northeast Ghana in the context of a systematic literature review(2014)

Characterising the nature of household vulnerability to climate variability: empirical evidence from two regions of Ghana(2012)

Identifying user needs for weather and climate services to enhance resilience to climate shocks in sub-Saharan Africa(2019)

Evidence of Climate Change Coping and Adaptation Practices by Smallholder Farmers in Northern Ghana(2021)

Small-holder farmers’ climate change adaptation practices in the Upper East Region of Ghana(2017)

Effect of climate variability on yields of selected staple food crops in northern Ghana(2021)

Opportunities and barriers for using climate information for building resilient agricultural systems in Sudan savannah agro-ecological zone of north-eastern Ghana(2021)

Determinants of choice of climate change adaptation practices by smallholder pineapple farmers in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana(2021)

Climate variability and impacts on maize (<i>Zea mays</i>) yield in Ghana, West Africa(2021)

Understanding climate services for enhancing resilient agricultural systems in Anglophone West Africa: The case of Ghana(2021)

Climate Information Services Available to Farming Households in Northern Region, Ghana(2022)

Farmers response to climate variability and change in rainfed farming systems: Insight from lived experiences of farmers(2023)

Evaluating Climate-Smart Agriculture as Route to Building Climate Resilience in African Food Systems(2021)

Trends and impacts of climate change on crop production in Burkina Faso(2023)

Benefits and barriers to the adoption of climate‐smart agriculture practices in West Africa: A systematic review(2024)

Perceived stressors of climate vulnerability across scales in the Savannah zone of Ghana: a participatory approach(2016)

Assessing Coherence between Sector Policies and Climate Compatible Development: Opportunities for Triple Wins(2017)

Using traditional agroecological knowledge to adapt to climate change and variability in the Upper East Region of Ghana(2021)

Strengthening climate adaptation in the northern region of Ghana: insights from a stakeholder analysis(2022)

Profiling User Needs for Weather and Climate Information in Fostering Drought Risk Preparedness in Central-Southern Nigeria(2022)

Mainstreaming Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices in Climate-Sensitive Policies for Resilient Agricultural Systems in Ghana(2023)

Why “formal” climate adaptation strategies fail in sub‐Saharan Africa: Ignoring adapters’ agency in the case of smallholding agriculture farming practices in Bono East Region of Ghana(2023)

Intra-gendered perceptions and adoption of climate-smart agriculture: Evidence from smallholder farmers in the Upper East Region of Ghana(2023)

Impacts of climate change on the yields of leguminous crops in the Guinea Savanna agroecological zone of Ghana(2023)

Educating the Rural Woman Farmer for Climate Resilience in the Global South: Enablers and Barriers(2023)

Assessing crop–livestock water productivity in mixed-farming systems across climatic zones of Burkina Faso(2023)

Effect of Rainfall Variability on Rice Production in the Ketu North Municipality, Ghana(2025)

Evaluating the Yield Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Rice (Oryza sativa L.) to Future Climate Variability in The Gambia(2019)

Vulnerability and adaptation of Ghana’s food production systems and rural livelihoods to climate variability(2012)

GCRF African SWIFT White Paper Policy Brief: The future of African weather forecasting(2021)

Vulnerability of Rice and Maize Yields to climate variability in the Sudano Sahelian Zone of The Gambia: Drivers and Adaptation Options(2021)

Assessing the Capacity of Smallholder Farmers to Implement Climate-Smart Agricultural Interventions Across Different Agro-Ecological Zones in Ghana(2024)

Factors Influencing the Access and Utilization of Climate Information by Farmers from Different Climate Vulnerable Districts of Northern Region, Ghana(2024)

Sustainable Development, Poverty Eradication and Reducing Inequalities(2022)

Chapter 5: Sustainable Development, Poverty Eradication and Reducing Inequalities(2018)

Special Report on Global warming of 1.5°C (SR15) - Chapter 5:Sustainable Development, Poverty Eradication andReducing Inequalities(2018)

Alignment between nationally determined contributions and the sustainable development goals for West Africa(2018)

Impacts of land tenure arrangements on the adaptive capacity of marginalized groups: The case of Ghana’s Ejura Sekyedumase and Bongo districts(2015)

Motivations, enablers and barriers to the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices by smallholder farmers: Evidence from the transitional and savannah agroecological zones of Ghana(2021)

Trade-offs, synergies and acceptability of climate smart agricultural practices by smallholder farmers in rural Ghana(2023)

Traditional agroecological knowledge and practices: The drivers and opportunities for adaptation actions in the northern region of Ghana(2022)

Subsistence farmer knowledge of strategies alleviating food insecurity in the context of climate change in the lower river region of the Gambia(2020)

Climate change perception and the adoption of innovation among mango plantation farmers in the Yilo Krobo municipality, Ghana(2022)

Tackling post-COVID-19 pandemic food crises through the adoption of improved maize seeds and technologies by smallholder farmers: The case of Ejura Sekyeredumase in Ghana(2022)

Building climate resilience through crop residue utilization: Experiences of Ghanaian smallholder farmers(2023)

Understanding the barriers and knowledge gaps to climate-smart agriculture and climate information services: A multi-stakeholder analysis of smallholder farmers’ uptake in Ghana(2025)

Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices for Sustainable Food Systems and Rural Sustainable Livelihoods Nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Conceptual Review and Analytical Framework(2025)

Assessing the Capacity of Smallholder Farmers to Implement Climate-Smart Agricultural Interventions Across Different Agro-Ecological Zones in Ghana(2022)

Typologies And Drivers of the Adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural Interventions by Smallholder Farmers in Rural Ghana(2022)

Predictors of access to and willingness to pay for climate information services in north-eastern Ghana: A gendered perspective(2020)

Application of mosquito repellent coils and associated self-reported health issues in Ghana(2016)

Adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices by smallholder farmers in rural Ghana: An application of the theory of planned behavior(2022)

Exploring the Need for Developing Impact-Based Forecasting in West Africa(2020)

Drivers and coping mechanisms for floods: experiences of residents in urban Kumasi, Ghana(2023)

Drivers and coping mechanisms to floods: experiences of residents in urban Kumasi, Ghana(2022)

Gendered perceptions and adaptation practices of smallholder cocoa farmers to climate variability in the Central Region of Ghana(2021)

Assessing the adaptive capacity of smallholder cocoa farmers to climate variability in the Adansi South District of the Ashanti Region, Ghana(2023)

Mitigating Climate Risks on Mango Seedlings in Ghana: Evidence from the Yilo Krobo Municipality(2022)

The contribution of weather forecast information to agriculture, water, and energy sectors in East and West Africa: A systematic review(2022)

Trace elements contamination of soils around gold mine tailings dams at Obuasi, Ghana(2009)

Food Price, Food Security and Dietary Diversity: A Comparative Study of Urban Cameroon and Ghana(2017)

Typologies and drivers of the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices by smallholder farmers in rural Ghana(2023)

Urbanization and soil nutrient challenges and opportunities: lessons from Malawian cities.(2015)

Trends and drivers of land cover changes in a tropical urban forest in Ghana(2020)

Land Use and Land Cover Changes in the Owabi Reservoir Catchment, Ghana: Implications for Livelihoods and Management(2019)

Climate Variability, Land Cover Changes and Livelihoods of Communities on the Fringes of Bobiri Forest Reserve, Ghana(2021)

Equity in climate scholarship: a manifesto for action(2021)

The African SWIFT Project: Growing Science Capability to Bring about a Revolution in Weather Prediction(2021)

Volta photovoltaics: Ruptures in resource access as gendered injustices for solar energy in Ghana(2023)

Implications of changes in land use on soil and biomass carbon sequestration: a case study from the Owabi reservoir catchment in Ghana(2023)

Drivers of adaptive capacity of rural women farmers: The role of climate action and information mediums in rural Ghana(2024)

Mitigating the risks of climate variability and change on mango seedlings in Ghana: Evidence from mango seedlings producers in the Yilo Krobo Municipality(2022)

Economic value and latent demand for agricultural drought forecast: Emerging market for weather and climate information in Central-Southern Nigeria(2023)

Role of social capital in agricultural diversification: Implications for sustainable development in rural regions(2024)

Assessment of contamination of singed hides from cattle and goats by heavy metals in Ghana(2008)

Use of Limiting Nutrients for Reclamation of Non-responsive Soils in Northern Ghana(2021)

Soil carbon stock and nutrient characteristics of forest–savanna transition: Estimates from four land use systems in Ghana(2023)

Understanding drought risk management in vulnerable communities in dryland farming systems: Evidence from northwest Ghana(2023)

Universal water service delivery: Insights on what it takes from Ghana(2022)

Biosand Filter as a Household Water Treatment Technology in Ghana and its Ecobusiness Potential: An Assessment Using a Lifecycle Approach(2015)

An Analysis of Ecosystem Vulnerability and Management Interventions in the Morogoro Region Landscapes, Tanzania(2015)

Improving Forest Governance in East Africa's Eastern Arc Mountains(2017)

Examining the Nature and Extent of Participation of Forest-Fringe Communities in REDD+: The Case of the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme(2023)

Effectiveness of planning and implementation stages of the ISO 14001 standards EMS at the Obuasi gold mine, Ghana(2010)

Do Dietary Changes Increase the Propensity of Food Riots? An Exploratory Study of Changing Consumption Patterns and the Inclination to Engage in Food-Related Protests(2015)

The Potential and Coupling Effect of Compost and Mucuna for Quarry Site Restoration: A Study at the YongwaLimestone Quarry in Ghana(2015)

Sedimentation and sediment core profile of heavy metals in the Owabi reservoir in Ghana(2019)

Intra-Gendered Perceptions and Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture: Evidence from Smallholder Farmers in the Upper East Region of Ghana(2023)

Woody species diversity and aboveground carbon stocks in agroforestry systems in Burkina Faso(2025)

Potential Migration of Leachate From an Active Landfill: Spatial Analysis of Groundwater Quality in Communities Surrounding the Dompoase Landfill, Kumasi, Ghana(2018)

GCRF African SWIFT and ForPAc SHEAR White Paper on the Potential of Operational Weather Prediction to Save Lives and Improve Livelihoods and Economies in Sub-Saharan Africa(2021)

Food security in Africa: Market and trade policy for staple foods in eastern and Southern Africa, Sarris A, Morrison J (eds). Food and agriculture organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy; Edward Elgar, Cheltenham and Northampton, MA, 2010. ISBN 978 92 5 106220 3 (hardback), x + 423 pp.(2010)

Understanding Drought Risk Management in Vulnerable Communities in Dryland Farming Systems: Evidence from Northwest Ghana(2022)

Collaboration Network

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Research Collaboration Map

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About This Profile

This profile is generated from publicly available publication metadata and is intended for research discovery purposes. Themes, summaries, and trajectories are inferred computationally and may not capture the full scope of the lecturer's work. For authoritative information, please refer to the official KNUST profile.