Problems of agricultural production in resettled communities in the Krachi district - Ghana

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1995-04-19
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Abstract
The construction of the Akosombo Dam in 1965 to generate hydro-electric power in Ghana resulted in the formation of the Volta Lake, covering a surface area of 8515km2. This led to the displacement of 78,000 inhabitants of the Volta basin. In the Krachi District, the formation of the Volta Lake led to the destruction of villages, agricultural land and communication routes. Inhabitants of the submerged villages were grouped into ten (10) resettlement towns in the district. This study examines the problems of agricultural production in resettled communities in the Krachi District in the Volta region of Ghana. Primary Data were derived from a field study involving the administration of questionnaires to 110 farming households in eight out of the ten resettlements in the district, and 44 farming households in four non-resettlements. The survey of farming households in non-resettlements was to provide a basis for comparison of agricultural production problems in resettlements and non-resettlements. Additionally, documentary research was conducted through reviewing various publications on resettlement programmes in general and the Volta Lake resettlement programme in particular. Informal interviews and personal observations also form part of the methodology. Analysis of the data revealed that the plots of land allocated to resettled farmers were inadequate even under intensive, high input cultivation using modern technology. Worst still, the agricultural programme meant to modernize agriculture in the resettlements failed woefully. So farmers still use traditional farming methods even under the given land constraints. This has led to a reduction in soil fertility thereby leading to decrease in yields. It was revealed that productivity for all major crops was higher in non-resettlements. Similarly, average household incomes in non-resettlements were higher than average income in the resettlements. Other agricultural production problems identified include low extension service coverage, limited source of finance for agricultural activities lack of improved farm inputs, rapid outmigration of active labour force due to lack of farming land and adequate accommodation. Based on the findings, recommendations aimed at reversing the declining agricultural situation in the resettlements were made. These include increasing the farm holdings of farmers, intensifying agricultural extension and the establishment of agricultural credit institutions. The recommendations are followed by an implementation strategy. This provides a strategy for implementing the recommendations made.
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A thesis submitted to the Board of Postgraduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Development Planning and Management, 1995
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