Abstract

This study examines household responses to livelihood transformation in the Kumasi peri-urban area. The main tools used in the data collection are household survey, key informants interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data are presented using tables, graphs and charts while direct quotations from respondents are used to present qualitative data. The study identifies both farm and non-farming livelihood strategies as the main livelihood strategies households adopt in the study communities. The study shows that most households rarely depend on one strategy to survive. However, non-farming households have more diversified livelihood strategies than farming households. The social network support base is also identified to play a very important role in the livelihood of respondents. Since farming still remains a very important component of livelihood strategies in the communities, some form of sanity needs to be injected in the land market. The study thus recommends a speed up work on the urban policy while the land policy needs to be fully implemented. The Land Administration Project must also be fast-tracked to bring harmony in the land market. Moreover, interventions to provide alternative means of livelihood to farmers who have lost their farm lands due to urbanisation can be made. Building the capacity of the peri-urban poor through skills training and access to credit and infrastructure facilities is a viable option. This will ensure a proper integration of peri-urban dwellers into urban monetary economy.

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