scholarly journals Food security, where is thy fifth dimension? A comparative analysis of the four dimensions food security framework from the lens of West African smallholder farmers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niagia Santuah ◽  
Joseph Abazaami ◽  
Joseph Amikuzuno ◽  
Kaunza Nu-Dem Millar
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Security Framework ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Fifth Dimension ◽  
Indigenous Methodologies

This study consists of a comprehensive literature review and a qualitative field research to gather empirical data through key informant interviews and focus groups. Using both scientific and indigenous methodologies the study assessed the suitability of the FAO inspired four dimensions food security framework smallholder farmers in Kasem-speaking people in contiguous communities between northern Ghana and southern Burkina Faso. Indigenous methodologies included gathering of wise sayings, proverbs, poems, songs, and riddles. The use of indigenous methodologies was justified because the analysis of Kasem proverbs, expressions and songs give insights into the deeper meanings of cultural concepts and images, which inform their daily practices (Cassiman, 2006). Appreciative Inquiry technique of data collection was used, as it builds on the strengths of the existing system and also emphasizes the practical use of the results of research (Wilson, 2008). Scientific methodologies are inadequate for accessing knowledge in the metaphysical realm which is a key aspect of the worldview of indigenous people. Privacy of participants and confidentiality of information was protected throughout the research. To further protect the confidentiality and also obviate the need for documentation of names of study participants, the study opted for verbal informed consent and assent instead of written. Verbal consent was obtained from participants before interviews were conducted. Identification numbers were assigned to transcripts for organizational purposes only; to indicate the data source category and date. Any potential research participants who chose not to participate, or withdrew their participation during the interview, were cordially thanked for their time and excused. Though a purely qualitative study, data were analysed quantitatively to generate graphs and tables to assess the distribution of opinion on key variables while verbatim quotations were used to support the quantitative information.

scholarly journals Food security, where is thy fifth dimension? A comparative analysis of the four dimensions food security framework from the lens of West African smallholder farmers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niagia Santuah ◽  
Joseph Abazaami
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Security Framework ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Fifth Dimension ◽  
Indigenous Methodologies

This study consists of a comprehensive literature review and a qualitative field research to gather empirical data through key informant interviews and focus groups. Using both scientific and indigenous methodologies the study assessed the suitability of the FAO inspired four dimensions food security framework smallholder farmers in Kasem-speaking people in contiguous communities between northern Ghana and southern Burkina Faso. Indigenous methodologies included gathering of wise sayings, proverbs, poems, songs, and riddles. The use of indigenous methodologies was justified because the analysis of Kasem proverbs, expressions and songs give insights into the deeper meanings of cultural concepts and images, which inform their daily practices (Cassiman, 2006). Appreciative Inquiry technique of data collection was used, as it builds on the strengths of the existing system and also emphasizes the practical use of the results of research (Wilson, 2008). Scientific methodologies are inadequate for accessing knowledge in the metaphysical realm which is a key aspect of the worldview of indigenous people. Privacy of participants and confidentiality of information was protected throughout the research. To further protect the confidentiality and also obviate the need for documentation of names of study participants, the study opted for verbal informed consent and assent instead of written. Verbal consent was obtained from participants before interviews were conducted. Identification numbers were assigned to transcripts for organizational purposes only; to indicate the data source category and date. Any potential research participants who chose not to participate, or withdrew their participation during the interview, were cordially thanked for their time and excused. Though a purely qualitative study, data were analysed quantitatively to generate graphs and tables to assess the distribution of opinion on key variables while verbatim quotations were used to support the quantitative information.

scholarly journals Food security, where is thy fifth dimension? A comparative analysis of the four dimensions food security framework from the lens of West African smallholder farmers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niagia Santuah ◽  
Joseph Abazaami
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Security Framework ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Fifth Dimension ◽  
Indigenous Methodologies

This study consists of a comprehensive literature review and a qualitative field research to gather empirical data through key informant interviews and focus groups. Using both scientific and indigenous methodologies the study assessed the suitability of the FAO inspired four dimensions food security framework smallholder farmers in Kasem-speaking people in contiguous communities between northern Ghana and southern Burkina Faso. Indigenous methodologies included gathering of wise sayings, proverbs, poems, songs, and riddles. The use of indigenous methodologies was justified because the analysis of Kasem proverbs, expressions and songs give insights into the deeper meanings of cultural concepts and images, which inform their daily practices (Cassiman, 2006). Appreciative Inquiry technique of data collection was used, as it builds on the strengths of the existing system and also emphasizes the practical use of the results of research (Wilson, 2008). Scientific methodologies are inadequate for accessing knowledge in the metaphysical realm which is a key aspect of the worldview of indigenous people. Privacy of participants and confidentiality of information was protected throughout the research. To further protect the confidentiality and also obviate the need for documentation of names of study participants, the study opted for verbal informed consent and assent instead of written. Verbal consent was obtained from participants before interviews were conducted. Identification numbers were assigned to transcripts for organizational purposes only; to indicate the data source category and date. Any potential research participants who chose not to participate, or withdrew their participation during the interview, were cordially thanked for their time and excused. Though a purely qualitative study, data were analysed quantitatively to generate graphs and tables to assess the distribution of opinion on key variables while verbatim quotations were used to support the quantitative information.

Determinants of Crop Diversification and Its Effects on Household Food Security in Northern Ghana

2020 ◽  
pp. 097674792093681
Author(s):  
Abdul Razak Baba ◽  
Abdul-Malik Abdulai
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Crop Diversification ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Northern Regions

This study analyses factors that determine smallholder farmers’ crop diversification decisions and their effects on household food security in Northern Ghana. A total of 1,284 households were sampled across the five northern regions of Ghana. Herfindahl Index for measuring crop diversification was used. The study found average crop diversity to be 0.55 and about 61 per cent of the sampled farmers had values above the average which indicated high crop diversification in the study area. The study also estimated the determinants of crop diversification and their effects on household dietary food security using the conditional mixed process model. Upon examining the determinants of crop diversification, occupation, technology adoption, labour, extension contact and farm size were identified as significant determinants. The study also computed the Household Food Consumption Score as a proxy for measuring food security. The result indicated that crop diversification contributes significantly to improving household food security status in Northern Ghana.

scholarly journals Agriculture and Food Security in Northern Ghana

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Alhassan Bawa
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Food Utilization ◽  
Annual Growth Rate ◽  
Subsistence Level ◽  
Agricultural Growth ◽  
Agriculture Sector

In the northern part of Ghana, about 97.9 percent of households are engaged in crop farming such as maize, rice, sorghum, soy beans, cowpea, cassava, yam, cotton and vegetables, with few households engaging in poultry, livestock and pig rearing. Agricultural production is therefore the main activity in the northern sector of Ghana and is practiced mainly on seasonal and subsistence level. The Gross Domestic Product of the country has recorded an annual growth rate of about 4 to 8 percent within the past decade. Agricultural growth has been the major driver of poverty reduction. The agriculture sector is the largest source of employment for the people of northern Ghana, and is dominated by smallholder farmers. The challenges in the agriculture sector include human resource and managerial skills, natural resource management, technology development and food insecurity. Food security is a phenomenon resulting from multiple causes which are food availability, food accessibility, food utilization and food stability. About 5% of Ghanaian populace are food insecure. Additionally, about 2 million Ghanaian people are vulnerable to become food insecure. Growth in the agricultural sector has been more rapid as compared to that of the non-agricultural sectors in recent years, expanding by an average annual rate of 5.5%, compared to 5.2% for the economy as a whole. Agricultural growth however, depends mainly on rainfall patterns and land expansion. The objective of this paper was to review literature on food security in Ghana, agricultural contribution to food security in northern Ghana and some policy measures put in place by successive governments to reduce food insecurity in northern Ghana.

scholarly journals Climate Smart Agriculture Practices in Semi-arid Northern Ghana: Implications for Sustainable Livelihoods

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Rahinatu Sidiki Alare ◽  
Erasmus Henaku Owusu ◽  
Kwadwo Owusu
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Smart Agriculture ◽  
Semi Arid

Achieving food security and livelihood development among vulnerable households in the semi-arid regions is challenged by water scarcity and climate change. To alleviate the challenges of water scarcity and climate change impacts, farmers are adopting different climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices. However, there is limited knowledge on the contribution of CSA practices to livelihoods of farmers in semi-arid northern Ghana. Therefore, this paper explored CSA practices adopted by smallholder farmers and assessed the contribution of dry season farming to livelihoods in rural semi-arid Ghana. Using data from 100 households, farm income, household food security and subjective wellbeing (SWB) were compared between dry season farmers and non-dry season ones. The findings showed that socio-economic factors hindered the utilisation of practices with high start-up cost such as rain water harvesting. Farmers also adopted other practices based on the benefits, ease of use and geographical context. Comparing dry season farmers and non-dry season ones, the results showed that dry season farming had great potentials of improving income, food security (66%) and wellbeing (P>0.01) of rural households in semi-arid Ghana. However, adopting CSA practices only without instituting programmes to address other socio-economic challenges faced by smallholder farmers will yield minimal impacts. Complementing CSA initiatives with poverty alleviation programmes will effectively contribute to improved livelihoods in resource poor communities.

scholarly journals Using Participatory Approaches to Enhance Women’s Engagement in Natural Resource Management in Northern Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7072
Author(s):  
Peter Cronkleton ◽  
Kristen Evans ◽  
Thomas Addoah ◽  
Emilie Smith Dumont ◽  
Mathurin Zida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Change Initiatives ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Over Exploitation ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
Multi Phase

From 2016–2019, the West African Forest-Farm Interface (WAFFI) project engaged with smallholder farmers in northern Ghana to explore mechanisms to improve the influence of under-represented peoples, particularly women, in decision-making processes and platforms that affect their access to natural resources. Through a multi-phase process of participatory activities, including auto-appraisal, participatory action research (PAR) and facilitated knowledge exchange, villagers and researchers worked together to document and develop a better understanding of the challenges and changes facing women and men in the region to generate social learning. Among these challenges, the degradation of forest resources due to over exploitation, weak governance and conflict of use over shea trees (Vitellaria paradoxa) were particularly important for women. The WAFFI approach created a scaffold for social learning that strengthened the capacity of local stakeholders to share their perspectives and opinions more effectively in multi-stakeholder forums and dialogue related to resource use and land use change initiatives.

scholarly journals Does smallholder farmers’ awareness of Sustainable Development Goal 2 improve household food security in the Northern Region of Ghana?

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Franklin Nantui Mabe ◽  
Eliasu Mumuni ◽  
Nashiru Sulemana
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Switching Regression ◽  
Sustainable Development Goal ◽  
Endogenous Switching Regression ◽  
Development Goal ◽  
Household Food

Abstract Background Sustainable Development Goal 2 aims at ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. Whilst some smallholder farmers are aware of this goal, others are not. The question that arises is whether or not awareness translates into food security. Therefore, this study assessed whether or not smallholder farmers’ awareness of Sustainable Development Goal 2 improves household food security in the Northern Region of Ghana. Methods The study used cross-sectional primary data collected from two districts and two municipalities in the region. An endogenous switching regression treatment effects model with ordered outcome was used to estimate the effects of smallholder farmers’ awareness of Sustainable Development Goal 2 on household food insecurity level. Results The age of household head, distance of households to the regional capital, membership of farmer-based organizations, access to e-extension, education, and ownership of radio are the key drivers of farmers’ awareness of Sustainable Development Goal 2. The results from the endogenous switching regression treatment effects model with ordered outcome showed that households who are aware of the second goal are more food secure than their counterparts. Conclusions It is therefore prudent for stakeholders promoting and championing Sustainable Development Goals to educate farmers on goal 2 as their awareness of the goal is critical to achieving food security.

scholarly journals Appraisal of Issues Influencing Soil-Steps Application for Sustainable Farmland Management in High-Potential District, Ethiopia

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 102
Author(s):  
Mehretie Belay
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Study Data ◽  
High Potential ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Chi Square Test

Soil damage by moving water is a somber predicament on farmlands in highland Ethiopia. Sizeable number of trial in farmland preservation has been executed to handle the crisis during the last tens of years. However, the attempts have not been vibrant to trim-down the danger to an attractive extent. This paper evaluates factors contributing to application of soil-steps (bunds) as sustainable farmland management technology (SFLMT) by smallholder farmers in one of the high-potential districts of northwest Ethiopia named Dangila Woreda (District). Mixed method triangulation designs involving concurrent acquisition and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data were used in the study. Data were acquired from randomly chosen 201 farming households during the harvest seasons of 2011 and 2012. Ordered questionnaire, participatory field observation, key informant interview and focus group discussion were mechanisms employed during the data acquisition. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations and percentiles), Chi-square test, t-test and the binary logistic regression model were used to analyze the quantitative data. The qualitative information was textually narrated to augment the quantitative results. Findings of the investigation confirm that age of the household head, the number of household members, slope of the farmland, the size of the farmland held, households’ participation in indigenous labour-sharing activities and the number of farm tools owned were significantly increasing the building of soil-steps as SFLMT in the study district. Involvement in off-farm activities and pest invasions were considerably hindering farmers from building soil-steps on their farmlands. The results in general indicated that households’ access to livelihood assets are key promoters for farmers’ implementation of soil-steps on their farmlands. Local resource preservation and improvement trials should thus ponder on convalescing farmers’ material endowments to improve their capability to use soil-steps as SFLMT in their farming activities.

Identification and prioritization of farmers' innovations in northern Ghana

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 537-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justice A. Tambo ◽  
Tobias Wünscher
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Plant Residues ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Innovation Contest ◽  
Scientific Validation ◽  
Livestock Diseases

AbstractFarmers are innovators and experimenters and not just adopters of introduced technologies. The innovations developed by farmers could complement the highly promoted externally driven technologies in addressing the numerous challenges facing agriculture. The aim of this paper was to identify outstanding innovations developed by smallholder farmers in northern Ghana, and prioritize the high potential ones for further scientific validation or dissemination. Using an innovation contest that rewards farmers' creativity, we identified 29 promising innovations. Additionally, 19 innovations were scouted through a household survey. The innovations are largely extensive modifications of existing practices or combinations of different known practices in unique ways to save costs or to address crop and livestock production constraints. While some of the identified innovations can be recommended or disseminated to other farmers, most of them may require further validation or research. However, validating all of these innovations will be very expensive and time-consuming. We propose the multi-criteria decision-making analysis (MCDM) as a simple method to prioritize farmers' innovations. Using this method, we find that among the most promising innovations are those involving the control of weeds, pests and diseases using plant residues and extracts, and the treatment of livestock diseases using ethnoveterinary medicines. We briefly explain the six most highly ranked innovations. This case study from northern Ghana provides further proof that smallholder farmers develop diverse and spectacular innovations to address the myriad challenges they face, and these need to be recognized and promoted. We also conclude that contest and MCDM are useful methods that can be applied in unearthing and prioritizing farmer innovations, respectively.

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