Nutrition, labour productivity and labour supply of men and women in Ghana

Abstract

Ghana’s population is expected to increase from 14.1 million in 1990 to 18.7 million in 2000 (Bumb et al., 1994). This growth in population along with growth in per capita income and urbanisation will create increased demand for food. Before the launching of the Economic Reform Programme in 1983 Ghana’s food production had fallen to an abysmally low level in response to the general deterioration in the economy. Output of food and cash crops declined at a rate of 0.3 percent per year between 1970 and 1980. Cereal production, which exceeded domestic demand by some 200,000 tonnes in 1971–73, registered a deficit of over 300,000 tonnes in 1981–83. Production of starchy staples fell from 7.9 million tonnes to 4.1 million tonnes between 1974 and 1981. As a result of declining food output combined with a rising population, per capita food availability in 1981–83 was 30 percent lower than it was in 1975. Efforts made under the Economic Recovery Programme have improved the food supply situation in the country although food production levels still remain low. Output levels of cocoyam and plantain have not reached their average levels in the early 1970’s (Table 9.1).