AN EXAMINATION OF THE LINK BETWEEN PARTICIPATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY IN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY: THE CASE OF DISABLED FARMERS IN SAVELUGU/NANTON MUNICIPAL

Abstract

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) can be productive members of their communities if societal and institutional barriers limiting their participation in decent work are removed. However, there is limited information on the participation of PWDs in agriculture and its effect on food security among disabled farmers in Ghana. This paper presents findings of a study conducted to examine the participation of PWDs in agriculture and its effect on household food security situation among disabled farmers in Savelugu/Nanton Municipal of the Northern Region of Ghana. Descriptive survey design was employed in collecting mainly primary data from disabled farmers across the Municipality. From the list of PWDs in the Municipality, a multistage sampling technique was employed in selecting 156 disabled farmers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in analysing the primary data collected. Household food security situation of PWDs was measured using Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Findings of the study established two main forms of participation of PWDs in agriculture; ‘participation through labour contribution’ and ‘participation through decisionmaking’. Analysis of the HFIAS score reveals high level of food insecurity among PWDs. Many (43%) of the disabled farmers surveyed were found to be food insecure, while the remaining were either moderately food secure (32%) or food secure (25%). The study found significant relationship between form of participation in agriculture and household food security situation of disabled farmers. Disabled farmers who participate both in taking decisions and production activities are more likely to be food secure than those who participate only through labour contribution. It is recommended that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) empower disabled farmers by providing tailored extension and agricultural information services to meet the specific needs of PWDs.