http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/14 2026-04-13T19:54:52Z 2026-04-13T19:54:52Z Kuusaana, D. E. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/3670 2022-07-13T15:48:19Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: LARGE-SCALE LAND ACQUISITIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENTS IN GHANA - IMPLICATIONS FOR LAND MARKETS AND SMALLHOLDER FARMERS Authors: Kuusaana, D. E. Abstract: The participation of large-scale agricultural investors in African land transactions raises concerns about the impacts on a rather hitherto local and smallholder dominated land market. However, there is still limited empirical study on how large-scale agro-investments have influenced changes in land markets and smallholder participation in agricultural land markets in West Africa. Hence, this study examined how large-scale land acquisitions in Ghana have influenced land market changes and impacted smallholders; and how institutional dynamics influence land markets. The study relied on village level surveys to examine the formation of land prices. Key stakeholders interviews were used to study institutional changes in Ghana’s land markets. Focus groups discussions were used to identify winners and losers in land transactions, and to examine the nature of gains and losses. Using stakeholder mapping, it was identified that linkages among the major institutions and stakeholders in large-scale agro-investments are weak, and the powers of the government are limited in customary grants. It was revealed that customary land transactions in Ghana are characterised by lack of - transparency, participation and accountability. The study also found that limited consultations with the village chiefs were inadequate in articulating the concerns of expropriated smallholders. Migrant farmers who use customary land without title were the most vulnerable for expropriation. Also, smallholders who are unable to prove their ownership of land are not compensated for land loss. It was revealed that total household farm size, land productivity, and trust were the main determinants of customary land prices. From the study, transaction costs of acquiring land are largely influenced by the nature of land tenure, social capital, geographical location of the land, and citizenship. For winners and losers, entrenched unequal power relations between land custodians and land users influenced who benefited more from land transactions. Chiefs and family heads entrusted with allodial titles were perceived to be gaining the most from recent land transactions, while sharecroppers, seasonal licensees especially women who cultivate land under insufficiently secure conditions were the most adversely affected. The way forward is to undertake institutional reforms that make chiefs more transparent and accountable for their trusteeship, while limiting their enormous powers as the front-liners of land administration in Ghana. Proceeds from land transactions should be invested in social infrastructure and services for the benefit of the larger community. There is the need to deepen stakeholder consensus building, through consultations with affected communities and land users. Since land prices have tended to be discretionary, there is the need for the standardisation of ‘drink money’. Land sector reforms in Ghana should be geared towards building efficient institutional collaboration and consultation between the formal and informal sectors, while improving transparency and accountability among the major stakeholders at all levels. Description: DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z Domanbang, I. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/3659 2022-07-06T12:14:49Z 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: THE CHIEFTAINCY INSTITUTION AS AN AGENT OF DEVELOPMENT AMONG THE DAGAABA IN THE UPPER WEST REGION: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS Authors: Domanbang, I. Abstract: Chieftaincy is perhaps the only indigenous institution which has been able to stand the test of time in the advent of alien cultures. This research attempts to identify chiefs as the main agent of development among the Dagaaba in the Upper West and also to determine the challenges and prospects of the chieftaincy institution. Both primary and secondary data were collected and collated. Several data were gathered through face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. The entire research covered 103 respondents. Methods of data analysis include; tables, simple bar graphs, pie charts, Frequency distribution, percentages and content analysis were also employed to analyse and present statistically quantifiable data. They were followed by brief verbal comments. The study identified certain challenges and prospects of the chieftaincy institution. For instance, political interference and Chiefs serve as traditional leaders in their communities respectively. ii The study thus made some recommendations by providing a scope of options to chiefs to improve their efficiency and relevance as chieftaincy institution. The study recommended that, the various Regional House of Chiefs should be tasked to compile and collate all the royal gates of every village, town and city as well as their successors so as to avoid chieftaincy dispute(s). It also recommended that the chieftaincy institution should be devoid of political interference. It further suggested that the position of the chief should be guided by specific institutionalized traditions with respect to accession to office and performance of functions. Description: MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

2011-01-01T00:00:00Z Amoah, F. K. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/3653 2022-06-29T11:37:45Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: MULTIPARTY ELECTORAL VIOLENCE AND DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE JIRAPA MUNICIPALITY Authors: Amoah, F. K. Abstract: Ghana has witnessed significant democratic progress over the past two decades with remarkable success in the country’s electoral history. Regardless of the achievements in the consolidation of democracy, elections in Ghana are invariably plagued by localized violence that threatens the peace, security and stability of the country. The aim of this study was to investigate electoral violence and socio-economic development of the Jirapa Municipality. The research design was cross sectional approach, the study adopted the mixed method approach with residents of the municipality of voting age, various political party executives, the Electoral Commission (EC), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Security Council as its units of analysis. Cluster sampling techniques Questionnaire were used to select 188 voters while semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 other stakeholders (Party executives, Electoral Commission, NCCE and the Security Council). The questionnaire was analyzed using central tendencies (means, standard deviations, frequencies) with the assistance of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Again, to test for linearity of variables, Chi-Square and cross-tabulations were performed. The results of the study revealed that most of the electoral violence was caused by youth employment, also laws of punishment for electoral is not deterrence. The study recommends the need to give sustainable jobs to the youth to discourage them from engaging in electoral violence. Again, vigilantes’ groups should be disbanded by government and political parties as they appeared to be the conduit of electoral violence. Again, interparty advisory committee must be formalized and becomes authoritative for all political process recommended. Description: MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z Ngmendoma, A. B. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/3650 2022-06-27T15:46:41Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: EFFECTS OF SECURITY OF TENURE TO AGRICULTURAL LANDS ON SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG WOMEN FARMERS IN WA WEST DISTRICT Authors: Ngmendoma, A. B. Abstract: The study explored women farmers’ access to agricultural lands and soil fertility management practices in a mixed patrilineal and matrilineal society in the Wa West District of the Upper West Region of Ghana. Women in Ghana including those in the Wa West District living in either separate or mixed patrilineal and matrilineal societies are faced with male domination with regards to decision making and hence women insecurity of tenure to farm land. So, the study used the Theory of Patriarchy, Empowerment Theory, and Access Theory to explain the issues surrounding women access and security of tenureship to agricultural lands. The study used a concurrent mixed research methodological approach to examine how security of tenure to agricultural lands affect soil fertility management practices among Women Farmers. A total of 140 women farmers were sampled through a multistage sampling process. Four focus group discussions were held (43 discussants) and 13 Key informants were interviewed and the findings corroborated with that of the survey. The survey data was presented in tables and charts, and the relationship of security of tenure to farm land and soil fertility management practices and some variables were also tested using Chi-square. The study found that women farmers cannot initiate the process of acquiring agricultural lands without involving their husbands or a male family member/head. Unfavourable beliefs system was found to be the most challenging constraint that influence women access to agricultural land. Most women farmers are practising minimal tillage and non-burning more than that of the other soil fertility management practices. Again, 99% of respondents perceived women farmers in Wa West District to have insecure tenure to agricultural lands. Finally, there exists a significant relationship between insecure tenure to agricultural land and soil fertility management practices. The study therefore recommends that, the existing or new policies (Ghana National Land policy-1999, Land Administration Programme, etc) to focus on especially community and family level stakeholders to facilitate women farmers to have secured agricultural land tenure. Description: MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z