THE PARTICIPATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN AGRICULTURE AND ITS EFFECTS ON THEIR FOOD SECURITY SITUATION IN THE SAVELUGU-NANTON MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

The role of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in agriculture has long been acknowledged worldwide, but it is yet to receive commensurate research and policy attention in Ghana. This study therefore sought to highlight the participation of PWDs’ in agriculture in the Savelugu-Nanton Municipality and its effects on their food security situation. The study employed descriptive survey design to collect mainly primary data from disabled farmers and extension officers across the Municipality. From the list of PWDs in the Municipality, a multi-stage sampling technique was employed to sample 156 disabled farmers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in analysing the data collected, with probit regression applied in identifying determinants of effective participation of PWDs in agriculture. Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was applied in measuring household food insecurity situation of PWDs. Also, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance was used to determine the constraints PWDs face in agriculture. Results of the study found that PWDs in the Municipality mainly engage in food crop farming as well as livestock rearing. The study identified two forms of participation of PWDs in agriculture. These are, ‘participation through labour contribution’ and participation through decision making’. The study also revealed that extension services delivery in the Municipality does not address the peculiar needs of disabled farmers. Age, sex, education, household size, access to labour, membership of FBO, power in household decision making and farm size were found as significant determinants of PWDs’ effective participation in agriculture. The study found no significant relationship between type of disability and PWDs participation in agriculture at 5% level of significance. The HFIAS score reveals high level of food insecurity among PWDs. However, the study found significant relationship between form of participation in agriculture and household food security situation of PWDs. Constraints to PWDs participation in agriculture include unavailability of extension officers, societal prejudice, among others. The study recommends the mainstreaming of concerns of PWDs in agriculture in order to ensure an all-inclusive agricultural services provision.