The role of female smallholder farmers in achieving food security in Ghana A case study of the Bosome Freho and Saboba Districts

Abstract

Women are regarded as key players in the socioeconomic development of societies. Similarly, female smallholder farmers are key contributors to production and food security around the world. However, several impediments challenge the efforts of women including smallholder farmers to effectively contribute to socioeconomic development. This study, therefore, explored the current level of food security among female smallholder farmers and how female smallholder farmers could help improve food security issues by identifying the possible challenges and prospects. The study adopted the descriptive and comparative research design and the mixed method approach. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the respondents for the study. the study collected primary data with the aid of a closed and opened ended questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was adopted to analyze the data for the study. The study found that the majority of female smallholder farmers experience low food secure. It was also discovered that challenges such as lack of access to farmlands, lack of access to credit, poor storage systems, lack access of ready market and usage of traditional farming tools impede the effort of female smallholder farmers to contribute to food security in Ghana. The study further found that the government of Ghana and some non-governmental organizations have initiated policies to empower female smallholder farmers. However, these strategies have not had the desired impact on female smallholder farmers. The study makes some recommendations which include; the provision of effective training and education on modern farming practices, equipping female smallholder farmers with entrepreneurial skills, encouraging the formation of farmer’s associations among female smallholder farmers and creation of food security awareness among female smallholder farmers.