Farmers’ Support Systems and Food Security in Abura Asebu Kwamankese District, Ghana

Abstract

Ensuring food security through the provision of support systems remains essential for rural agriculture development. There is evidence that farmers support systems have important functions for directing and facilitating technology adaptation, promoting transfer of knowledge and hence promoting food security in developing nations. However, in spite of Ghana’s efforts in promoting food security, there are contentions that available support systems have hardly incorporated rural farmers. This study focused specifically on farmers support systems available for promoting food security in the Abura Asebu Kwamanksese (AAK) District in the Central region of Ghana. The study relied on the entitlement and sustainable livelihood theory. Using a qualitative approach, the study adopted an explanatory design. The purposive sampling technique was employed to select respondents for focus group discussions, indepth and key person interviews. The secondary data was obtained from policy documents on agricultural strategic plan. Primary data were analyzed through a thematic analysis, whilst secondary data were analyzed through documentary analysis. The study found that there was ineffective coordination and inter-agency linkages resulting in ineffective implementation processes. Critically, the support systems provided in the AAK district were insufficient, selective and discriminatory. The study recommends the need for the intensification of support systems for farmers through the effective utilization of extension officers and other key stakeholders to promote food security.