Coping with Urban Poverty; an Examination of Household and Individual Livelihood Strategies in Ghana: (A Case Study of Sunyani Municipality)

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2012-06-29
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Abstract
The issue of urban poverty in developing countries has attracted research attention in recent times as the major urban centers in these countries face tremendous pressure of population with insufficient infrastructure and social services, poor housing, insanitary conditions, low incomes, slums, etc leading to low standard of living. Sunyani Municipality as an urban area has experienced significant urban poverty over the decades and continues to do so. The main objective of this study was to examine urban poverty through the analysis of household and individual livelihood strategies in Ghana, zeroing on the Sunyani Municipality. From the results of the analysis, it was found out that households in the Municipality were aware of the meaning and causes of poverty which is evident in the livelihood of households and individuals. Though most of the households are employed, their incomes were not able to meet their needs. They therefore supplement their livelihood through either family support, employing both orthodox and unorthodox methods in obtaining essential social services, increased patronage of food sold by street vendors, and multiple membership of social, ethnic and religious associations. The inhabitants need to be part and even offer suggestions as to how their lives could be improved for the better. The very philosophy of the Local Government System of Ghana which is to enhance the participation of the citizens of the communities in decisions affecting their lives should be adhered to. Data for the study was obtained mainly through the administration of questionnaires. The data gathered was electronically analyzed.It has been recommended that the Sunyani Municipal Assembly should increase its poverty alleviation fund to tackle poverty.
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A Thesis Submitted to the Institute of Distance Learning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Commonwealth Executive Masters of Business Administration
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