The integration of local perceptions and scientific evidence is important for developing comprehensive understandings of the complexities of climate change in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, the literature on climate change and variability (CCV) trends for the region has largely focused on either local or scientific knowledge with less insight into their integration. Responding to this lacuna, a mixed-method approach with an integral theoretical lens was applied to understand farmers’ perceptions of CCV in comparison with published meteorological data in northern Ghana. Results from the surveys, focus group discussions and interviews show that respondents perceive of increased temperatures, decreased rainfall, seasonal changes and extreme climate events, but those perceptions are spatially differentiated. Published average rainfall trends were found to be inconsistent with perceived reductions in rainfall. In contrast, perceived high temperatures were consistent with average meteorological data. Sophisticated understandings of both local and scientific knowledge systems inform decision-makers about the real lived experiences of CCV. Covariates such as location, place attachment, indigenous knowledge use and demographic characteristics of respondents influence perceptions of CCV. We suggest that scientists and decision-makers should consider a blended approach that integrates local perceptions with scientific evidence in order to develop robust and sustainable adaptation policies.

将当地的认识与科学证据相结合对于发展对撒哈拉以南非洲（SSA）气候变化复杂性的全面理解非常重要。但是，有关该地区气候变化和变异性（CCV）趋势的文献主要集中在本地或科学知识上，对整合的了解较少。针对这一缺陷，与加纳北部公布的气象数据相比，采用了一种具有整体理论的混合方法来了解农民对CCV的看法。调查，焦点小组讨论和访谈的结果表明，受访者感知到温度升高，降雨减少，季节性变化和极端气候事件，但这些感知在空间上有所区别。发现已公布的平均降雨量趋势与感知的降雨量减少不一致。相反，感知到的高温与平均气象数据一致。对本地和科学知识系统的精深理解使决策者了解了CCV的真实生活。受访者的位置，地点依恋，本地知识使用和人口统计学特征等协变量会影响CCV的认知。我们建议科学家和决策者应考虑将当地的认识与科学证据相结合的混合方法，以制定强有力的可持续适应政策。对本地和科学知识系统的精深理解使决策者了解了CCV的真实生活。受访者的位置，地点依恋，本地知识使用和人口统计学特征等协变量会影响CCV的认知。我们建议科学家和决策者应考虑将当地的认识与科学证据相结合的混合方法，以制定强有力的可持续适应政策。对本地和科学知识系统的精深理解使决策者了解了CCV的真实生活。受访者的位置，地点依恋，本地知识使用和人口统计学特征等协变量会影响CCV的认知。我们建议科学家和决策者应考虑将当地的认识与科学证据相结合的混合方法，以制定强有力的可持续适应政策。