SECURING RURAL LIVELIHOODS IN NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

The study seeks to know the dynamics of rural livelihood systems and the strategies people deploy, in view of designing appropriate interventions and policies. Both descriptive and Correlation research designs were used and sampling was employed to select the sample population of 200 for this study.The sample for the study were selected from four (4) districts (Savelugu-Nanton, East Gonja, Yendi and West Mamprusi).The study used a case study and the data was analyzed by descriptive statistics.The findings revealed that the economic, political and environmental effects on livelihood conditions is very high. The socio-cultural effect is low. The study recommends the need for an integration of non-farming activities to provide the space for farmers to have alternative livelihood opportunities, provision of small scale irrigation that meets the local situation, especially given that the water situation in the study area is very low. The study also recommends increased education level for farmers as it is an essential ingredient for improved livelihoods. This is because a well-educated farmer may be able to apply appropriate technological innovations in the farming process than a literate farmer. There is also the need to increase women access to land through advocacy by both civil society and government is recommended as part of the study.