Abstract:
ABSTRACT
The study examined land commodification and its implications for the
livelihoods of farmers in Awutu-Breku. Data were collected for 232 randomly
sampled farmers and the results complemented by responses from opinion
leaders and local authorities. Data analysis involved the application of
descriptive statistics, factor analysis and thematic analysis. The study found that
urbanization and the quest for capital accumulation for future use were the most
important reasons for land commodification in Awutu-Breku and these greatly
reduced the livelihoods of farmers. Farmers resulted to migration to overcome
constraints to their livelihoods as a result of the loss of land to urbanisation and
industrial activities. The study further revealed that in Awutu-Breku low
standard of living of the farmers was because of land commodification. It was
therefore recommended that government should effectively initiate documented
and legal policies on the appropriation of lands for agricultural and industrial
purposes.
