MANAGING LAND DEGRADATION FOR FOOD SECURITY IN THE LAWRA DISTRICT

Abstract

The agricultural sector plays a fundamental role in Ghana despite the recent transition to an industry and service-led economy. However, land degradation could potentially inhibit the growth of the agricultural sector if measures are not put in place to arrest this phenomenon. This study investigated the nature and causes of land degradation in the Lawra District. The study explored the impact of land degradation on food security as well as the land management practices to improve food security in the study area. A mixed method approach was adopted which combined both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection of which questionnaires were used. Satellite images and other secondary data were also used. The study revealed that the major cause of land degradation in the area of study is bushfires and deforestation. Majority of the respondents said they experience transitory food insecurity between the months of May and August every year. The main causes of food insecurity identified in the Lawra District are post- harvest losses lack of storage facilities and low crop yield. The land management practices adopted by most respondents from the GERMP communities were water and soil conservation methods such as stone bunds, zai and half-moon and composting while the non-GERMP communities adopted application of chemical fertilizer, manure application, zero tillage and cover cropping. Land degradation in the study area is a serious challenge to farmers despite the various land management practices adopted to help curb the phenomenon. The study recommends that efforts towards proper land management practices should include provision of drought resistant and early maturing seeds and skill training for farmers on reducing the impact of land degradation.