Land Commodification and Livelihoods of Farmers in Awutu-breku, Ghana

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.