The effect of livelihood diversification on rural farm household food security in Ghana

Title : The effect of livelihood diversification on rural farm household food security in Ghana

Abstract:

Food insecurity and poverty have been a problem in Ghana, especially in rural areas where livelihoods are heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture. Recent erratic rain fall patterns exacerbated by climate change have heightened the risk of reliance on agricultural livelihoods. The high risk involved in rain-fed agriculture has led many to consider spreading the risk across multiple livelihood ventures, livelihood diversification. This study, therefore, analysed the effect of livelihood diversification on rural farm household food security in the Upper East Region of Ghana.  A total of 405 rural farm households were sampled using a multi-stage sampling technique. An ordered probit model was employed to estimate the effect of livelihood diversification on household food security. The findings revealed that diversification in non-agricultural livelihoods and integrated agricultural and non-agricultural livelihoods positively influenced household food security. However, diversification of agricultural livelihoods did not have a significant effect on household food security. Thus, it can be concluded that diversification is promoted among non-agricultural livelihoods and integrated agricultural and non-agricultural livelihoods to overcome the problem of food insecurity. Interventions towards the promotion of workable livelihood strategies should be introduced to empower people faced with the challenge of food insecurity.

Biography:

Jude Dokbila Kolog is an up-and-coming researcher who applies multi-disciplinary approaches in his research. Jude graduated from the University of Ghana in 2016 with a B.A in Economics and Philosophy. He proceeded to pursue an MPhil at the same University, where he graduated in 2019 with an MPhil in Agricultural Economics. He was offered a contract as a Teaching and Research Assistant at the University of Ghana in which he worked in that position for three and half years. He is currently a researcher with the West Africa Regional Horticulture Innovation Lab.