Gendered Analysis of Perceptions of Stakeholders in the Agricultural Sector on Gender Notions in Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

Aim: The study analyzed stakeholders in the agricultural sector perceptions of gendered notions in Northern Region of Ghana. Three Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) were purposively sampled from the 16 MMDAs in the region. Methods: The research applied the explanatory sequential mixed methods design. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from 54 policymakers and implementers followed by a FGD and interviews for the 400 farmers in 12 communities. A 5-point Likert scale perception index was used to analyze the perceptions of stakeholders on gender. Results: The results revealed that cumulatively, the stakeholder’s thoughts on gender notions were widespread and culturally grounded and implied to a large extent that ownership and control over productive resources was male-dominated whiles the distribution of labor portrayed a heavier burden on women making the men more empowered at the community management level. Conclusion: The study concludes that, the stakeholders in the agricultural sector do not unanimously agree on these notions. Though the women portray some level of readiness to challenge the status quo, access to and control over resources like land and other resources challenge their efforts whiles the men, for fear of losing their access and control over the resources, protect their territories graciously. Recommendation: The study therefore recommends policymakers at the national and regional levels and implementers at the MMDAs and community levels to ensure that both women and men have access and control over resources. The study also recommends (policymakers and implementers) in the agricultural sector be more conscious of the different gender roles and its implication for both women and men in society and also conscientize both the female and male farmers on these gender roles.