Female-Led agrarian households and the question of sustainable land and food security in an emerging economy: Evidence from Tula Baule

Abstract

PurposeThis study examines the nexus between land tenure security (LTS) and food security (FS) in female-led households of Tula Baule agrarian settlements. Design/Methodology/ApproachThe study used a qualitative research design based on the constructivist paradigm. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with female household heads cutting across the three “yaati” (villages) of Tula Baule. Analysis of data collected from the interviews was done employing transcriptions, creating semantic networks and utilising thematic content analysis. FindingsThe study revealed that all but a few respondents believed that they had LTS based on “Feloh's” (ancestral gods') supremacy without recourse to documentary evidence of ownership. Similarly, all but a few participants do not have access to three square meals per day throughout the study period. The study also found a strong relationship between LTS and FS in the study area. Participants indicated a lack of motivation to invest in farms that lack LTS, consequently affecting their agricultural productivity and FS. Practical implicationIt provides an empirical base to equip policymakers with valuable information for policies relating to females' access to land and food in agrarian settlements. Originality/valueThis study is the first to empirically analyse land and food security in female-led agrarian households of Tula Baule in an eclectic context.