The Crumbling Backbone of the Savannah Woman: Adjusting to the Declining Shea and Locust Tree Densities in Northern Ghana

Abstract

Rural women in Northern Ghana depend largely on indigenous forest resources, particularly Shea and locust bean trees as a major source of livelihood support. The fruits of these trees, are so essential to rural livelihoods that their collection and processing, are subjects of intense competition among rural women. Recent studies, however suggest a significant degradation of agroforestry parklands, and the population densities of Shea and locust bean trees. Using a case study approach, and employing participatory tools such as focus group discussions, interviews and structured observations, the study sought to unpack the experiences of rural women on the decline in these tree species, and examine how this new reality affects their major livelihood assets. The study found that, the decline in Shea and locust bean trees, affects the social, human and economic capital of rural women. Exploitation of other environmental resources, the use of improved Shea processing methods, and vegetable farming, were identified as major adaptation strategies among rural women. The study also found evidence of deep-seated historical and socio-economic factors militating against the successful adaptation of rural women. Consequently, the study highlighted the need for micro credit accessibility programmes, and gendered land tenure arrangements to support rural women in Agriculture. Keywords: Agroforestry parklands, Shea trees, Locust trees, Livelihoods, Rural women, Response mechanisms. DOI : 10.7176/JCSD/54-05 Publication date: December 31 st 2019