EFFECTS OF GRAVEL WINNING ON SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN SAGNERIGU DISTRICT OF NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

Urbanization has led to increased need of gravel to support infrastructural development in the Sagnarigu District. Some smallholder farmers in the Sagnarigu District have involved themselves in gravel winning as an alternative source of livelihood which has both positive and negative effects on them. The study assessed the effects of gravel winning on the smallholder farmers in the Sagnarigu District of the Northern Region of Ghana. A cross sectional study was done employing both quantitative and qualitative instruments to gather data on the perceived benefits and adverse effects of gravel winning in the area. The study also considered proposed strategies to improve upon the situation in the district. Results of the study showed that while smallholder farmers formed over ninety percent (90%) of the personnel involved in gravel winning, they were the least involved in decision making in the industry as the chiefs gave out large tracks of land for gravel winning without involving them. With this, their farmlands were converted into gravel winning pits leaving them with limited source of livelihood. The study further revealed that gravel winning impacted both negatively and positively on the smallholder farmers and the community as a whole. The negative effects included that the activity triggered loss of farm lands, destruction of roads, deforestation, loss of economic plants, ill health, conflicts and exposure of lands to erosion. One major benefit identified was that the smallholder farmers were able to meet the cost of education of their wards and other social needs. They were also able to invest in the little left of their farming activities. It was recommended that the chiefs and the local authority be made to apply the revenue accrued from gravel winning in a transparent and accountable way. Smallholder farmers who lose their farm lands to gravel winning should be adequately compensated. Government agents in charge of gravel winning such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must live up to their responsibilities and be more responsive to the destruction and pain that the gravel winning operations cause the people in the Sagnarigu District.