GENDER AND CHANGING LAND TENURE REGIMES OF COCOA FARMING IN THE ASUNAFO NORTH MUNICIPALITY OF GHANA

Abstract

Land tenure arrangements impact greatly on the development of agriculture in general and cocoa production in particular stemming from the relationship between land tenure, agricultural investment, crop types and production output. In Ghana, all lands used for cocoa cultivation are under customary land ownership, in which land-use rights have been granted to the extended family though the ultimate ownership rights are vested in the local chief. This study was undertaken to assess the gender implications of changing tenure regimes on cocoa farming with regard to productivity, tenure security and livelihoods improvements in the Asunafo North Municipality of Brong Ahafo Region. The case study was conducted using interviews and focus group discussions. Respondents (108) were interviewed involving cocoa farmers and household heads using structured and semi-structured protocols. The analysis of the data revealed that land tenure has evolved over the years from shifting ownership by the extended family to a more individualized ownership system. On the gender implications/effects on changing land tenure regimes on tenure security for cocoa farmers, the study revealed that there was no gender disparity in land acquisition for cocoa farming and that women have had better access to land for cocoa farming than before. The study concluded that, land tenure arrangements in the Asunafo North Municipality have gradually changed from the extended family to more individualized ownership system. The change has resulted in better access to women, widening livelihood options and promoting cocoa farming. On the basis of the findings, recommendations have been made for policy considerations.