Abstract:
Suicide among farmers is a long-standing problem and has received
considerable attention within the field of suicidology and beyond. This study
investigated the prevalence and impact of suicide among peasant farmers. As a
qualitative study, a case study design was used. The study, through snowballing
technique sampled 20 peasant farmers that reflected data saturation. The
instrument used in collecting data was a semi-structured interview guide
adapted from the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Data gathered with
the scale was analysed qualitatively using thematic approach. The study
revealed that suicidal thoughts and behaviours were precipitated mainly through
cultural cause, psychological cause, general health cause, spiritual cause, socioenvironmental
cause and unavailability of social support services. Again,
peasant farmers’ resilience and ability to cope were largely based on selfreliance/
solitary coping mechanism, counselling, relying on faith, prayers,
support from relatives and inadequate formal support services. It was concluded
that suicide was prevalent among peasant farmers. Therefore, it was
recommended that regular public sensitization, effective social support,
responsible media reportage, and the amendment or repealing of suicide
legislations as panacea for increased identification of potential suicide
committers in order to tackle the menace in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District,
Ghana.
