An Examination Of Hindrances To The Accessibility Of Land To Women Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihoods In The Kpandai District Northern Region Of Ghana

Abstract

This study examined access to land and its implications on women smallholder farmers in the Kpandai District, Ghana. The study adopted the qualitative research approach guided by the descriptive research design and the interpretivism philosophy. Data was collected from 35 participants through convenience and purposive sampling techniques using an interview guide and focus group discussion. The study discovered that land scarcity, time, labour constraints, customs and traditions, and lack of credit facilities determined women's access to land in the Kpandai district. The poor implementation of legal provisions, the dominance of men in decision-making processes and inheritance practices, and existing legislative and traditional structures fail to protect women's smallholder farmers' access to land in the Kpandai District. It is recommended that there should be collaborative efforts by the Kpandai District Assembly and Non-Governmental Agencies with traditional leaders, community elders, and local organisations to challenge customary discriminatory practices hindering women's smallholder farmers' access to land.