Economic Impacts of land-use Conflicts on Livelihoods. A case study of Pastoralists-farmer Conflicts in the Agogo Traditional Area of Ghana

Abstract

Pastoralists-farmer conflicts are not new to farming communities in Ghana but in recent years the magnitude of these conflictshave increased in the Agogo traditional area. It is still not clear what impacts these conflicts have on livelihoods and how toensure that the conflicts are reduced in Ghana. This study was undertaken to bridge this knowledge gap. Using a classicalexperimental design, data for the study was obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The data was analyzed usingcontent analysis and inferential statistics; t-test. The study found out that reduction in farm produce, insecurity and increaseloan default rates were among some of the major economic impacts of the conflicts on livelihoods. Interruption of education ofchildren due to low income also featured prominently. For example, the average farm income of farmers in the conflict area (GHC827.00) was significantly lower as compared to farmers in the non-conflict area (GHC 3600). Recommendation for reducing theconflicts includes; zoning areas for grazing and protecting communal grazing rights.