URBANIZA AND AND LIVELIHOOD SUSTAINABILITY IN THE PERI-URBAN ZONES OF THE WA MUNICIPALITY IN THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Rapid urbanization, population burden and the government decisions, shelter, infrastructural, industrial and commercial needs of a fast growing city have stretched the land delivery system in Wa Municipality to flouting point. Agricultural lands, which serves as the main source of livelihood, has been encroached by the process of urbanization in peri-urban zones. This thesis seeks to assess how rapid urbanization is impacting on farmers' livelihood in developing cities, drawing empirical evidence from Wa, Ghana. The researcher used interpretive approaches by relying heavily on naturalistic methods (interviewing, administering of questionnaires and analysis of existing texts).These methods ensured an adequate dialog between the researcher and those with whom they interacted in order to collaboratively construct a meaningful reality. Generally, meanings are emergent from the research process. Typically, qualitative methods were used in analyzing data from stakeholders in selected peri urban areas in the Wa city region. Contrary to the mainstream view that the polygamous nature of Upper west region is the main source of increment in the population and thus urbanization in the peri-urban zones, stakeholders' perception was different as responses indicated that, the rapid urbanization of Wa is as a result of increased commercial activities, presence of tertiary education and its strategic location. The rapid urbanization of Wa sparked up a succession syndrome where prime agricultural lands have been converted to other land uses believed to' be the highest and best use. The pressures of urbanization have negative implications on predominantly poor farming communities in the Wa region. Policy focus should be geared towards the protection of prime agricultural lands that serves as main sources of livelihood. Urbanization is necessary but not to the extent of denying peri-urban zones of their main source of livelihood.