Volume 10, Issue 1, January 2015, Pages 119–131
Peter Dok Tindan1
1 Institute of Distance Learning, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
Original language: English
Copyright © 2015 ISSR Journals. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
This paper examines the complex linkages and impacts of land degradation and primary livelihood activities in Ghana, specifically the Talensi District. Though a global challenge, land degradation is a major concern in the District. This is because the processes of land degradation are closely related with the operation of primary activities, which are livelihood sources for people in the District. The study explored the type of livelihood activities affecting land degradation and the impact of land degradation on these activities in that complex interrelationship. Based on the nature of the study, a mixed research strategy was employed in the gathering, analysis and presentation of data. A sample of 150 respondents were randomly sampled and issued with structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide for collecting data. Participant observations were also conducted and official statistical data analyzed. The data analysis and presentation involved both inferential statistics and qualitative interpretations of field data. The research findings indicate that agriculture; hunting; illegal mining and wood fuel production relate with the processes of land degradation. Crop farming exhibits a strong interrelationship with land degradation because it is the major livelihood of people in the District. It is argued, that, land degradation has caused low crop yields because of loss of soil fertility. The impact analysis therefore indicates that, there is 'enhanced degradation' of land because of people's struggle to meet their livelihood sources affected by land degradation.
Author Keywords: Land, Primary, Interrelationships, Agriculture, Perception, Sustainability, Savanna.
Peter Dok Tindan1
1 Institute of Distance Learning, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
Original language: English
Copyright © 2015 ISSR Journals. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
This paper examines the complex linkages and impacts of land degradation and primary livelihood activities in Ghana, specifically the Talensi District. Though a global challenge, land degradation is a major concern in the District. This is because the processes of land degradation are closely related with the operation of primary activities, which are livelihood sources for people in the District. The study explored the type of livelihood activities affecting land degradation and the impact of land degradation on these activities in that complex interrelationship. Based on the nature of the study, a mixed research strategy was employed in the gathering, analysis and presentation of data. A sample of 150 respondents were randomly sampled and issued with structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide for collecting data. Participant observations were also conducted and official statistical data analyzed. The data analysis and presentation involved both inferential statistics and qualitative interpretations of field data. The research findings indicate that agriculture; hunting; illegal mining and wood fuel production relate with the processes of land degradation. Crop farming exhibits a strong interrelationship with land degradation because it is the major livelihood of people in the District. It is argued, that, land degradation has caused low crop yields because of loss of soil fertility. The impact analysis therefore indicates that, there is 'enhanced degradation' of land because of people's struggle to meet their livelihood sources affected by land degradation.
Author Keywords: Land, Primary, Interrelationships, Agriculture, Perception, Sustainability, Savanna.
How to Cite this Article
Peter Dok Tindan, “SAVANNA PRIMARY LIVELIHOODS AT THE EDGE OF LAND DEGRADATION: LINKAGES AND IMPACTS IN GHANA,” International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 119–131, January 2015.
