STATE POLICY, DEPEASANTISATION AND AGRARIAN CHANGE: THE EFFECTS OF THE PSI ON CASSAVA-STARCH ON PEASANT FARMERS’ SOCIO-ECONOMIC LIVELIHOOD
Paul Kofi Andoh[1] & Thomas Antwi Bosiakoh[2]
Department of Behavioural and Social Science, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon
Department of Sociology, University of Ghana, Legon
Email: pkandoh@gmail.com, and bosiakoh@gmail.com/bosiakoh@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This study focuses on the interface between
state policy initiatives, the process of depeasantisation and agrarian change,
using the Presidential Special Initiative on Cassava-Starch as a case. Employing
both quantitative and qualitative data gathering techniques, primary data were
collected from six farming communities in the Awutu-Effutu-Senya and
Atebubu-Amantin districts of the Central and Brong Ahafo regions of Ghana. The
analysis of primary data revealed that with the right policy initiatives by the
state, it is possible to systematically incorporate peasant farmers into
mainstream economy and to improve their socio-economic livelihoods. To this
extent, the study recommends among others that given the importance of cassava
to peasant farmers and its potential in both local and international markets,
there should be consistent effort to promote its cultivation through extensive
research and development with the view of introducing new varieties with high
yields along with right agronomic practices.