THE EFFECTS OF WOMEN'S ACCESS TO LAND AND HOW IT AFFECTS FOOD SECURITY IN ZABZUGU/TATALE DISTRICT, GHANA

Abstract

Concerns over the food security situation in Ghana are reflected in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) to reduce the number of food insecure by half by 2015. Given that land plays an important role in the livelihoods of the majority of Africans, food security cannot be achieved unless issues of access to land and the capacity to use land productively and in a sustainable manner are addressed. This study seeks to examine women's access to land and how it affects household food security In Zabzugu. Qualitative and quantitative methods were both used for the study. A number of different techniques were used for the data collection. These were questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussion and observation. The study findings revealed that Women's insecure access to land impacts negatively on food security and environmental sustainability. Based on the results of the study, the following recommendations are made. There is the need for traditional leaders and household heads to strengthen dialogue between men and women on issues concerning land. The modes of land acquisition is a major obstacle and for women who intend to acquire land for production. Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other development partners in the district should launch advocacy programmes that target the removal of all forms of barriers that hinder the acquisition of land by women. Making the acquisition of land by women a topical issue is the first step towards easing and improving women's access to land.