ISSN 2375-0693
African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN 2375-0693 Vol. 8 (10), pp. 001-015, October, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Livelihood Systems of Smallholder Cashew Farmers in the Guinea Savannah Woodland and Semi-Deciduous Forest Zones of Ghana
Patrick Ateah Yeboah1, Felix Dordaa2 and Emmanuel K. Derbile3
1Department of Governance and Development Management, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies at Wa, Ghana.
2Department of Community Development, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies at Wa, Ghana.
3Department of Planning, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies at Wa, Ghana.
Accepted 15 August, 2020
Abstract
In Africa, Smallholder agriculture systems continue to experience changing dynamics and patterns as part of larger agrarian change arising from globalization. However, these dynamics are not well understood for informing policy and agricultural development planning. This paper examined the livelihood systems of smallholder cashew farmers in the transitional ecological zones of Ghana and the implications for development planning. The study employed a mixed research design for data collection and analysis. These methods included focus group discussions, key informant interviews and a survey of 239 cashew-farming households. The study identified three (3) categories of cashew farmers, namely, small-scale, medium-scale and large-scale farmers. The results further reveal that small-scale farmers are an overwhelming majority in the industry with farm holding sizes of between 1 to 10 hectares and that they diversify into other livelihoods. These additional livelihood portfolios include food crop farming, cocoa farming, livestock rearing, masonry, carpentry, dressmaking/tailoring and trade in agro-chemicals and groceries. The paper underscores the importance of an integrated approach to development planning that takes cognizance of the complex nature and inter-linkages of livelihood systems of smallholder cashew farmers for promoting synergies and complementarities for achieving sustainability.
Keywords: Smallholder, Farmers, Cashew, Livelihood, Diversification, Ghana.
DOI: 10.46882/AJAERD/1160