Women in food production, food handling and nutrition. Structural transformation, pauperization and the role of women. A case study from Ghana
Bukh, J.
CDR Project Paper, Centre for Development Research, Denmark (A.77.5): 4
1977
Document Number: 264529
This paper shows how farmers in a rural area of South-East Ghana have had to change their production pattern and adapt to circumstances arising from the introduction of an export economy. Particular attention is given to the role of women in food production and nutrition, both today and historically. The relationship between changes in the division of labour and changes in crop patterns, and the impact of these changes on the local standard of living, are considered. With the introduction of widespread commercial cocoa production in the 1920s-30s, women were obliged to take full responsibility for the food crops. When land for cocoa became scarce in the 1940s, and prices started to fall in the 1950s and 60s, there was an increase in male migration from the area, resulting in the present ratio of 1.5 women to 1 man. Agricultural productivity has dropped, since the women lack resources to clear forest land and must farm the less fertile plains, and the result is increased poverty and a continuation of the same socio-economic situation.