WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN CROP FARMING IN SABOBA DISTRICT IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

This study assesses women participation in crop farming in Soboba District in the Northern Region of Ghana, the challenges and prospects. The study objectives were to examine the nature of women participation, challenges affecting the participation of women and to ascertain the prospects of women participation in crop farming in Saboba District. The study adopted a descriptive analytical survey design. This study was conducted by using quantitative and qualitative research methods. Multiple data collection instruments such as questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion guide were employed for collecting data from the respondents. The study used active women population in the community between the ages of 18-59 which constituted 360 sample size. However, convenient sampling, Purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the respondent for the study. The study utilized frequencies and percentages; tables and figures in the presentation of data with the aid of Microsoft Excel. The study revealed that majority of women (58%) were in their active working bracket but limitedly engaged in crop farming in the selected communities. 40% of the respondents had no education, 51% had education between basic to Senior High School level with only 9% who had tertiary. Majority of the respondents (61%) did not own their own personal farm because of gender disadvantages. 68% of the respondents revealed that collateral inadequacy affected their access to credit. Prospectively, majority of the respondents (93%) indicated that they agree and strongly agree that when women participate adequately in crop farming food insecurity challenges will be addressed. The study concludes that if women are regarded as farmers and not marginalized in terms of access to land, credit, education and various economic activity expansions will trigger adequate employment and reduce their vulnerability. The study recommends the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection with MoFA and other constitutional institutions should sensitize stakeholders including women on their rights as enshrined in the constitution of Ghana.