Youth Access to Agricultural Land from Peri-urban and Rural Perspective: A Study of Techiman Traditional Area in Ghana

Abstract

This study examines youth access to agricultural land from both peri-urban and rural perspectives. Using the Techiman area as a case study, the study interviewed youth and elders made up of chiefs and family heads using multiple random sampling techniques. The results revealed that, the youth generally have access to small landholdings whether in the peri-urban or rural context. These small holdings were a manifestation of the challenges underling the youth access to land under customary system. The predominant challenges facing the youth included; high rental/acquisition cost, land scarcity and land disputes. The youth also suffered more from the urbanisation effects, but do not benefit from proceeds arising out of peri-urban land use conversions. The study recommends youth agricultural land access policy and a compensation regime which benefits both the youth and adults in land use conversions in the peri-urban areas of Ghana.